The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has approved for the next phase of planning for two rural ring roads around Palmerston North. 

The construction of two rural ring roads will be carried out as part of Accessing Central New Zealand plan, which has been designed by the transport agency.

New Zealand Transport Agency Regional Relationships director Lisa Rossiter said: “We have recently finished the strategic planning for the overall project, called Accessing Central New Zealand.

“From this planning, two clear priorities have emerged as needing immediate focus: State Highway 3 Kairanga to Bunnythorpe connection, State Highway 3 Napier Road, from Keith Street to Whakarongo.”

The two ring roads are expected to improve connectivity between the North East Industrial Zone near Palmerston North Airport, the Kawakawa Road industrial area near Feilding, the Longburn industrial area and Food HQ at Massey University to the wider highway networks.

"It is now not only the hub for the lower North Island but also the emerging Central New Zealand node in our country’s intermodal network."

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said: “We have been working collaboratively with the transport agency to confirm strategic issues, outcomes, and benefits for the Accessing Central New Zealand project. 

"The logistics sector and movement of freight through Palmerston North and the Manawatu are much larger than many realise. 

“It is now not only the hub for the lower North Island but also the emerging Central New Zealand node in our country’s intermodal network. Therefore, it is a great result to have funding confirmed for the first two phases.”

According to the Horizons Regional Council Chair and Accelerate25 Lead Team member Bruce Gordon, the rural ring road required immediate attention as per the Manawatu-Whanganui Economic Action Plan.