Public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch are a step closer after being included on a list of nationally important infrastructure priorities.

The Greater Christchurch Partnership comprises Christchurch City Council, Canterbury Regional Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri District Council, Mana Whenua, and central government agencies NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Health NZ Te Whatu Ora. In April 2025, the partnership lodged a joint application with Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission for the inclusion of the Improvements to the Greater Christchurch Bus Network project.

Today the Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission’s announced the project has been accepted onto its draft National Infrastructure Plan. A team of independent experts from the Commission deemed the project to be of national importance by meeting New Zealand’s strategic objectives, being good value for money, and capable of being successfully delivered.

While inclusion in the draft National Infrastructure Plan does not guarantee funding or political support, the endorsement is still an important step forward. It gives central government investment partners confidence that the project’s merits have been successfully assessed by independent experts.

Improvements to the Greater Christchurch Bus Network includes a range of investments encompassing infrastructure and service improvements within Christchurch City, Selwyn District and Waimakariri District.

The project joins the Greater Christchurch Mass Rapid Transit project in the National Infrastructure Plan, which was included in the first tranche of projects announced in June 2025.

Quotes from the three Mayors of Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri councils as well as Canterbury Regional Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Christchurch Mayor, Phil Mauger

Christchurch Mayor, Phil Mauger says the programme is an important step toward larger public transport changes, such as Mass Rapid Transit.

“This is fantastic news for our city and the wider region. Public transport is a big part of keeping things moving and making the bus trip easier and more comfortable will make a real difference.”

Selwyn Mayor, Lydia Gliddon

Selwyn Mayor, Lydia Gliddon says the announcement reflects years of advocacy for better public transport options in the district.

“Better public transport service is something our community and previous Councils have advocated for over a number of years. We are pleased to see this announcement and hope to see good future investment in services to Selwyn.”

Waimakariri District Mayor, Dan Gordon

“This is welcome news. As our populations grow it is important that we make it as easy as possible for people to get around their District and into the city. Importantly, this endorsement carries weight when future funding opportunities arise and helps present this business case as a priority project.”

Chair of Canterbury Regional Council, Dr Deon Swiggs

“Public transport has huge benefits for productivity and growth, so we’re pleased that the government’s independent advisor also recognises the importance of this for Greater Christchurch.

All councillors in the Greater Christchurch Partnership agree that if we want to remain a productive and growing city, we need greater investment in public transport.

This announcement means that public transport in Greater Christchurch has been identified as one of the top infrastructure priorities for New Zealand, and that we’re another step closer to mass rapid transit becoming a reality.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Richard Osborne Regional Manager for System Design South Island

“We welcome the inclusion of Improvements to the Greater Christchurch Bus Network in the Infrastructure Priorities Programme by Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission,” says NZTA regional manager for system design in the South Island, Richard Osborne.

“We look forward to supporting our partners in Greater Christchurch to continue the progress on better public transport services and helping guide the development of individual projects and initiatives through to funding consideration.”

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