Eastern Busway

The Eastern Busway project includes the construction of approximately 5km of segregated, at-grade urban busway, two major interchange stations at Pakūranga and Botany and three intermediate stations. It is being delivered by an alliance of Auckland Transport with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs working in partnership with mana whenua.

To encourage active modes of transport, the busway will incorporate physically separated and protected cycleways, improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians.. Access to town centres and local destinations will be significantly improved.

A feature of the project is Rā Hihi – the flyover above Reeves Road and across Tī Rākau Drive that provides direct connection between Pakūranga Road and Pakūranga Highway. The new infrastructure is designed to support future land use development by both public and private sector developers, ensuring sustainable urban growth. The project also includes the coordination of major utility works by Watercare and Transpower, supporting seamless service integration.

We were involved in  a co-design process led by Ringa Mahi Toi – Reuben Kirkwood (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki). The cultural narrative was gifted by the Kaitiaki Forum and refined through an ongoing dialogue with Reuben Kirkwood.

The design process was dynamic and iterativemoving fluidly between analogue sketching, physical model-making, kōrero (discussions), 3D modelling, live fly-throughs, and digital illustrations. This approach ensured that the final design is a true expression of collaborative effort and deeply reflects the cultural significance imbued by mana whenua.