On Friday the 4th of April, June Ranson, CEO of Woburn International, attended a business breakfast at the Lower Hutt Events Centre regarding the official confirmation of the $1.5 billion Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink) project in Lower Hutt.
This long awaited and transformational infrastructure project was confirmed by Hon Chris Bishop (Minister of Transport and Infrastructure), Daran Ponter (GWRC Chair), Campbell Barry (Lower Hutt Mayor) and mana whenua. It will reshape the future of the region.
Up to 600 specialist infrastructure and construction workers will be required for the project, bringing a huge boost to the local economy. An additional $3.5 billion is earmarked for other major Lower Hutt infrastructure projects over the next 10 years. This is an unprecedented investment in our area, people and skills.
As a Lower Hutt headquartered full-service immigration and relocation company with a nationwide network of consultants, Woburn International will contribute directly to these infrastructure projects by supporting the industry through the process of bringing any required overseas specialists into the Hutt Valley.
Not only do our consultants streamline the visa application process, but our local team of relocation specialists understand what is needed to successfully integrate people from overseas into Lower Hutt. Whether you are a New Zealand based business bringing in foreign workers or an offshore company that is sending staff to the region, Woburn can support you.
What is the RiverLink project?
The RiverLink project is a major infrastructure investment designed to transform the way people move through and interact with Lower Hutt. The confirmed works include:
- Construction of a new grade-separated Melling interchange, improving safety and reducing congestion along this key part of State Highway 2. This a road junction where one or more roads are elevated or depressed to create separate traffic flows, eliminating at-grade intersections and conflicts. This is achieved through the use of bridges (overpasses) and tunnels (underpasses) to separate traffic levels, along with ramps for traffic to enter and exit the elevated or depressed sections.
- A new bridge over the Hutt River, enhancing road and pedestrian access.
- The existing Melling Railway Line will continue, with the Melling train station relocated further South and to include modern park and ride facilities.
- A City Link Bridge—a vital connection between Lower Hutt’s city centre and the relocated train station.
- Upgrades to walking and cycling infrastructure, enabling more sustainable commuting.
- Improved public transport accessibility, integrating buses and trains more efficiently.
The RiverLink project is not just about better transport. It’s about boosting the local economy, futureproofing our city, improving resilience against flooding and making Lower Hutt a more connected, accessible and liveable place for future generations.
The existing Melling line will continue to operate throughout construction, terminating at Western Hutt Station to ensure minimal disruption to commuters. Construction is expected to run through to 2031, with the demolition of the old bridge scheduled for 2032.
Supporting the RiverLink vision through immigration and relocation expertise
The Riverlink project requires a significant and skilled workforce, including engineers, project managers, civil contractors and other technical specialists. As the demand for talent rises, some of this expertise will need to come from overseas.
We also understand that major infrastructure projects like RiverLink rely on having the right people in the right place at the right time. That’s where our immigration agency plays a vital role by streamlining the visa and relocation process for both workers and their families. Our mission is to make that process simple, clear and successful.
Woburn International have the capacity, experience and success record to assist alliance partners and subcontractors with tailored Immigration solutions. Woburn can help with:
- Work Visa applications – Helping skilled overseas professionals secure the correct Visas quickly and efficiently.
- Employer Accreditation support – Assisting businesses in meeting Immigration New Zealand’s requirements to hire overseas workers.
- Relocation advice – Providing guidance to workers and their families moving to New Zealand to ensure a smooth transition.
- Ongoing Immigration compliance – Supporting businesses to stay compliant with ever-changing immigration laws and regulations.
With our long-standing role on the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Board, we’re excited to work alongside the Chamber and other local organisations to ensure that both talent and opportunity flow into our region in the most efficient way possible.
Contact us
If you would like to know more about your options in New Zealand, email us at services@woburn.co.nz
Woburn International is New Zealand’s leading specialist in NZ immigration, skilled migrant placements, relocation, emigration, international remuneration and cultural awareness. Contact us to find out how we can help you move to New Zealand.
