11. Question No. 11—TransportTANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 11—Transport11. TANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North) to the Minister of Transport: What progress is being made on upgrades to regional highways? Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): A number of projects are under way to help support our regions and their economic recovery. In addition to construction starting six months ago planting has begun on the $620 million Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway with the first 20000 plants being delivered this week. This planting is the first of almost 2 million native shrubs and trees that will be planted as part of the project's commitment to leaving the environment better than we found it. By sourcing the plants locally we're supporting the region's economic recovery. The plants have been growing since last year at Kauri Park Nursery in Ashhurst and 12000 seedlings were raised at Manawatū Prison through a partnership with Rangitāne o Manawatū. Tangi Utikere: What safety upgrades are being installed on our regional highways? Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Safety upgrades are being installed in the Waikato to help save lives as part of our nationwide plan to make over 3000 kilometres of roads safer. Works will be completed before the end of this month on State Highway 2 between Mackaytown and Waikino in the Karangahake Gorge and State Highway 25 between Pipiroa and Orongo. Over the last couple of months in the region we've already completed close to 140 kilometres of road markings 50 kilometres of rumble strips and around 220 new or replacement signs. Progress is also being made on our New Zealand Upgrade Programme project to install a roundabout to replace one of the most dangerous intersections at State Highway 1 and State Highway 29 at Piarere. The preferred location has been chosen and construction will get started early next year. Tangi Utikere: What work is being done to upgrade the Forgotten World Highway? Hon MICHAEL WOOD: As part of a package of work in the New Zealand Upgrade and Provincial Growth Fund projects on the Forgotten World Highway work has started to build a new two-lane bridge over the damaged Manawawiri Stream culvert at Toko east of Stratford. Other improvements planned for the Forgotten World Highway include sealing the 12 kilometres of unsealed road through Tangarakau Gorge safety improvements and a new bridge at the Kohouri Stream and passing and way-finding opportunities. Once completed the project will contribute up to $45 million to that region through increased tourism spend—Barbara Kuriger: The project's too slow. Hon MICHAEL WOOD: —and up to 60 new jobs to support that tourism growth and I note the interest of the local member. Rachel Brooking: What projects are being completed on the West Coast?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Two New Zealand Upgrade projects are under way and one is already finished. Guard rail is being installed on five single-lane bridges throughout the West Coast network and work is under way to provide seawall protection to a section of State Highway 67 between Granity and Ngākawau. I'm also pleased to confirm that work has been completed to improve safety and access to the 130-metre long single-lane bridge to Franz Josef. The works included safety barrier upgrade works pier-strengthening installation and relocation and construction of a cycleway clip-on. It's good to get on with this work that was neglected for so many years under the previous Government.