Council embarked on the Marlborough Sounds Future Access study to support the case for
funding safe and resilient long-term access solutions for the Sounds, both for
itself and to obtain funding assistance from NZTA Waka Kotahi.
Consulting, engineering and construction company Stantec led the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study team. The NZTA Waka Kotahi business case process guided the study.
The study looked at five geographical areas, recognising their own distinct access issues.
Rai Valley to Te Aumiti / French Pass. Ronga Road (Rai Valley), Tennyson Inlet, Croisilles-French Pass Road, Te Towaka-Port Ligar Road, Bulwer Road, including Rangitoto ki te Tonga / d'Urville Island and surrounding areas.
Te Hoiere / Pelorus. Kaiuma Bay Road including Daltons Road / Track and Te Hoiere Road and surrounding areas – Linked to Te Hoiere/Pelorus Catchment linking back to Te Hoiere/Pelorus River.
Kenepuru. including Kenepuru Road and the outer Sounds
Queen
Charlotte Drive
, including Anakiwa Road.
(Havelock to Picton)
Te Whanganui / Port Underwood. Te Whanganui / Port Underwood and Tumbledown Bay roads (to Rārangi campground)
During 2023, several options were considered for the above areas. Following an evaluation process, an ‘emerging preferred option’ and a ‘hazard adaptation pathway' for each of the areas were provided to the public for feedback. This feedback was considered for the final programme business case on the Marlborough Sounds future access.
Go to the 2023 Public Engagement - MSFAS page
Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study Programme Business Case
Council reviewed and endorsed the final programme business case on 3 October 2023. Resolutions from the Assets & Services Committee were adopted at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 10 October and provided to NZTA Waka Kotahi for consideration.
NZTA Waka Kotahi endorsed the Programme Business Case in December 2023 and indicated what financial support they may provide. Council consulted on and confirmed its funding contribution as part of the 2024-34 Long Term Plan. Consequently the repairs to the road network were approved and are underway.
