Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington, and Waka Kotahi are celebrating the signing of an Interim Project Alliance Agreement that sees AECOM-Fletcher become RiverLink’s delivery alliance. 

RiverLink will deliver crucial flood protection and river restoration work, improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes, local roads and the SH2 Melling Interchange for the local community. It will also help revitalise Lower Hutt’s city centre.   

The Minister of Transport, Hon. Michael Wood, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter and Mana Whenua Steering Group Interim Chair Lee Hunter were on hand for today’s event, The alliance agreement means the project can move into the detailed design and planning phase ahead of main construction beginning later this year. 

RiverLink Programme Director, Rod James, welcomes the signing, saying it’s the first step for some big changes for Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai (Lower Hutt). 

“It’s a major milestone for the programme. RiverLink removes a major pinch point in the river corridor, significantly improves flood protection, and makes the State Highway 2 corridor much safer. It will help Lower Hutt become a true river city, putting our taonga – Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River – at the heart of the community,” James says. 

RiverLink’s Board Chair, Will Peet, is excited to see the AECOM-Fletcher alliance begin its work. 

“It’s been a long time in the making, but we’re here now, and are confident about the work ahead. We will use our partners’ knowledge and expertise, and that of the alliance, to make sure RiverLink is delivered successfully and gets a great outcome for the community,” Peet says. 

Strong relationships have been key in getting the programme to where it is today and will be fundamental to the ongoing success.  

Guided by programme objectives Ora Tāngata, Ora Taiao and Ora Wairua, RiverLink partners look forward to working with AECOM-Fletcher alliance to achieve the best outcomes for our people, communities, and environment. 

General Manager of Fletcher Construction Major Projects, Mike Elliot, and AECOM New Zealand Managing Director, Craig Davidson, say: “We are delighted to be involved in this transformational project. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver a legacy of benefits that will positively impact the environment and the wider Hutt community for generations to come.” 

Over the next six months, RiverLink partners will work closely with the alliance to finalise the design to deliver the best balance of cost and outcomes. 

When the detailed design, cost and construction approach is finalised, a Project Alliance Agreement will be signed. Main construction for RiverLink is expected to begin later this year and be completed in 2027. 

You can learn more about RiverLink at www.riverlink.co.nz