National Party has confirmed plans to begin construction on the Mill Road project in 2028, contingent on its return to government following the general election scheduled for November 7. The $1.75 billion initiative aims to address transportation challenges in South Auckland by creating a new four-lane, 21.5-kilometer corridor adjacent to State Highway 1, extending from Manukau to Drury.

Mill Road is classified as a Road of National Significance and is intended to alleviate congestion on heavily trafficked routes, including the Southern Motorway, which currently serves as the main connection for commuters traveling between Drury, Papakura, and Manukau. National’s leader, Christopher Luxon, emphasized the party’s commitment to advancing the project after years of debate, stating that National is prepared to take decisive action on the issue.

Chris Bishop, National’s transport spokesperson, highlighted the rapid growth experienced in South Auckland, noting that Drury is a central hub within this expansion. He argued that existing infrastructure, such as Redoubt Road and the current Mill Road, was originally designed for a semi-rural community and is now inadequate for the demands of tens of thousands of new residents.

Local elected official Daniel Newman, councillor for Manurewa-Papakura and a longstanding advocate for the project, expressed cautious optimism about the announcement. Newman cited the secured funding as a critical factor increasing his confidence that the project would proceed, a significant change from prior years marked by delays and uncertainty.

Newman also referenced previous setbacks, including a reversal of commitment by a former Labour Party Minister of Transport in 2021, which had contributed to his frustration with the protracted development process. The new timeline and financial arrangements offered by National appear to have renewed hope among supporters that Mill Road will finally move from proposal to reality.

The project’s progression underscores ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure in rapidly growing urban areas, as local and national authorities seek solutions to growing transportation demands. With South Auckland identified as one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, developments such as Mill Road are viewed as essential to supporting future residential and commercial expansion.