National has announced a suite of infrastructure and development projects planned for the Waikato, positioning the region’s productive economy as a key focus for its campaign.
National Infrastructure spokesman Chris Bishop highlighted the importance of the region to the nation’s broader economic performance.
“Waikato is home to some of our most productive farms, major manufacturers and exporters, fast-growing towns and cities, and the transport links that connect the upper North Island,” Mr Bishop said. “National wants to build on those strengths and make Waikato an even better place to invest, grow a business, raise a family and get ahead.”
Central to the transport plan is the continuation of the Waikato Expressway project.
“The extension to the Waikato Expressway funded by this National Government – SH1 Cambridge to Piarere – is expected to reduce deaths and serious injuries by around 70 per cent, make journeys faster and more reliable, and strengthen one of New Zealand’s most important economic corridors. If re-elected, National will get it under construction early next year,” he stated.
Beyond roading, Mr Bishop pointed to major industrial projects progressing through fast-track processes.
“National has progressed Hamilton Southern Links, and backed major new investments through Fast-track, including Green Steel and the expansion of Waihi’s mining operations,” he said. “Green Steel alone will process around 200,000 tonnes of recycled steel each year and create around 200 skilled jobs, while the Waihi North project is expected to generate $5.2 billion in additional exports.”
Healthcare infrastructure is also taking shape across the region, including the establishment of the new Waikato Medical School, backed by $82.85 million in Crown funding alongside $150 million from university and philanthropic partners.
“From 2028, the school is expected to take 120 additional graduate-entry medical students each year, with a strong focus on primary care and rural medicine,” Mr Bishop noted. “In addition, land has been secured at Drury for a future major hospital supporting South Auckland and north Waikato and we have opened more beds at Waikato Hospital.”
In education and public safety, National highlighted that 61 classrooms are currently built, under construction, or in planning stages across the region, while police foot patrols in Waikato have increased by 141 per cent since 2023.
Framing the upcoming election as a critical decision point for the region, Mr Bishop urged voters to consider the competing economic visions.
“Don’t put the growth of Waikato at risk this election,” Mr Bishop said. “The choice is clear – a Labour Government propped up by the Greens, Te Pati Māori and Opportunity with nine new taxes, or National with no new taxes and a plan to keep our regions thriving.”