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About designations

A designation is a provision made in a district plan to give effect to a requirement made by a requiring authority (in this case Auckland Transport) for a project or work.

A designation authorises AT to do the project or work on a specific site or route. It also covers any other area where the restriction is needed for the safe or efficient functioning or operation of the project or work. Designations form part of any relevant district plans and authorise the associated land use activities specified in the designation. Separate regional consents may still be needed to authorise works.

Two main functions of designations

They allow the proposed public work to be done in line with the purpose and conditions of the designation.

They also protect the land from activities that may stop or hinder the work.

For more information about what it means to have a designation on your property download our landowner guide (PDF, 3MB).

AT designations in the Auckland Unitary Plan

The ultimate Airport to Botany Bus rapid transit project is not currently funded for implementation phase. Funding for future phases of the project will be sought by Auckland Transport (AT) through the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP). The RLTP is updated every 3 years.

Confirmed designations

The following corridors are confirmed and operative in the Auckland Unitary Plan with conditions.

Designation 1852 (was NoR 1)

Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit — Botany to Rongomai Park.

View the designation map (PDF, 5.2MB)

Download the designation conditions (PDF, 4.8MB)

Designation 1853 (was NOR 2)

Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit — Rongomai Park to Puhinui Station.

The designation map and designation conditions will be available soon.

Designation 1842 (was NoR 3)

Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit — Puhinui Station to SH20/20B Interchange.

View the designation map (PDF, 2.1MB)

Download the designation conditions (PDF, 2MB)

Designation 1843 (was NoR 4)

Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit — SH20/20B Interchange to Orrs Road.

View the designation map (PDF, 1.5MB)

Download the designation conditions (PDF, 595KB)

Alternatively, you can view the conditions in Chapter K of the Unitary Plan (opens in a new tab).

Route protection status and designation conditions

Notices of requirement were submitted to Auckland Council in 2023 to protect the land needed by Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi for the project.

All the notices of requirement are now confirmed and included in the Auckland Unitary Plan Operative in Part in 2025. For further details on the confirmed designations, read the section, 'AT designations in the Auckland Unitary Plan'.

Information for landowners

General information for landowners

Information for landowners within a designation

What will happen to the directly affected properties

Because there is no funding for detailed design or construction of this project, Auckland Transport is not wishing to buy any property right now. This means landowners can still use their properties as they do now.

If you are a landowner within a designation and would like further information about a project, email the Auckland Transport Consent Planning Team at aucklandtransportplanningteam@at.govt.nz.

If you are a developer and would like further information about a project, email the Auckland Transport Strategic Development Programmes Team. at strategicdevelopment@at.govt.nz.

Carrying out works on designated property

If you are planning works in your property, such as residential or commercial development, you may need approval from Auckland Transport. Contact Auckland Transport us by:

For more information, go to Consent for works in an AT Designation or Notice of Requirement.

When will Auckland Transport buy the designated area of land

Auckland Transport normally only seeks to buy land when it is actually needed for works. This is often around 2 years before construction starts. 

What it means for business owners and operators and occupiers of properties within designations

A designation can impact business owners and operators and occupiers of properties in a similar way to landowners, depending on how the property is used. Check with the property owner to find out whether you need approval to make any changes to the way you use the property.

Where to get support

If you are a landowner and feel anxious about the designation or the project, you can contact us to get free, confidential services. Otherwise, you can:

  • phone Rural Support on 0800 787 252 for people in rural communities dealing with challenges 

Business case appendices

Appendix A: A2B & 20Connect ILM

Appendix B: Long List Assessment

Appendix C: Short List Assessment

Appendix D: SWGP Benefits Realisation Plan

Appendix E: Southwest Gateway Staging Technical Note

Appendix F: Engagement Summary

Appendix G: Network Operating Plan & Concept of Operations

Appendix H: Demand Mangement & Local Access Assessment

Appendix I: Risk Register

Appendix J: Cost Estimate with Technical Note

Appendix K: Economics

Appendix L: Join Consenting Strategy Report

Appendix M: Property Aquisition Strategy

Appendix N1:

Appendix N2: Design Philosophy Statement

Appendix O: Design Drawings

Appendix P: Corridor Strategy

Appendix Q: Medium Term Strategy (with correct GA Plans 2023)

Appendix R: Botany Interchange Assessment

Appendix S: Botany Integration Options Review

Appendix T: Heavy Rail Options Summary Technical Note

Appendix U: Transit Oriented Development Land Use Study

Appendix V: Covid-19 Sensitivity Technical Note
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