Recently, the awarding of a $406 million contract for Auckland's first city tunnel and one of the country's most expensive stretches of road came to scene; the contract will create 300 jobs.

A tunnel would be built by the V-Formation consortium under Auckland's Victoria Park, said Prime Minister John Key, which he sees as part of the Northern Motorway linking the city to the Harbour Bridge.

It is predicted that the work which will commence next month will get over in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

The overall project, which includes a 440-metre three-lane northbound tunnel, comprises a 2.2 kilometers long stretch. 

Nearly 165,000 vehicle movements a day is experienced by Victoria Park, which has become one of the city's main choke points.

Mr. Key said: "The Victoria Park tunnel will provide a lot of jobs but most importantly a lift in productivity for Auckland."

The project is being criticized by some people, for it may quickly become redundant with a second harbor crossing, which was rejected by Mr. Key.