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Public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch are a step closer after being included on a list of nationally important infrastructure priorities.

In April 2025, the Greater Christchurch Partnership lodged a joint application with Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission for the inclusion of the Improvements to the Greater Christchurch Bus Network project.

The Partnership comprises Christchurch City Council, Canterbury Regional Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri District Council, Mana Whenua, and central government agencies NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Health NZ Te Whatu Ora. 

Today the Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission announced the project has been accepted onto its draft National Infrastructure Plan. 

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says the programme is an important step toward larger public transport changes, such as Mass Rapid Transit. 

“This is fantastic news for our city and the wider region. Public transport is a big part of keeping things moving and making the bus trip easier and more comfortable will make a real difference.”

A team of independent experts from the Commission deemed the project to be of national importance by meeting New Zealand’s strategic objectives, being good value for money, and capable of being successfully delivered.

While inclusion in the draft National Infrastructure Plan does not guarantee funding or political support, the endorsement is still an important step forward. It gives central government investment partners confidence that the project’s merits have been successfully assessed by independent experts.

Improvements to the Greater Christchurch Bus Network includes a range of investments encompassing infrastructure and service improvements within Christchurch City, Selwyn District and Waimakariri District. 

The project joins the Greater Christchurch Mass Rapid Transit project in the National Infrastructure Plan, which was included in the first tranche of projects announced in June 2025.