SH2 Melling Interchange revised concept design

SH2 Melling Interchange revised concept design

In June, NZ Transport Agency and Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Alliance shared an update to the design for the Melling Interchange. Once built this will replace the existing traffic lights on State Highway 2 (Melling and Tirohanga) with a grade-separated interchange.

They’ve received some questions from the community about this design and have provided some explanations below.

Traffic lights
There are three intersections that will be managed by traffic lights— two on top of the interchange, and one set for people heading south towards SH2 or the train station. These lights are needed to manage the flow of traffic to and from Lower Hutt and will be phased to help prevent queuing on the highway. There will no longer be traffic lights for straight-through traffic on SH2, helping traffic flow more easily.

Roundabout
A grade-separated roundabout like those at Dowse and Haywards was considered but wasn’t the most appropriate design given the tight environment and needs of this interchange. It also wouldn’t have been as effective at reducing congestion issues for Lower Hutt. The revised design will accommodate the higher traffic volumes and remove the current conflicting and dangerous right-hand turn movements across SH2. While the roundabout style is familiar for the Hutt Valley, interchanges including traffic lights for on and off-ramps are common, including on the Kapiti Expressway and Auckland motorways.

SH2 southbound access
Direct access from SH2 southbound onto the interchange was considered but would require adding a merge lane, increasing the overall bridge width, and complicate future opportunities to extend the train line north. 

Artist's impression of the new Melling interchange

Mills St stopbank riverworks—pools and riffles

In addition to stopbank construction, crews are progressing riverworks within Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River. To protect the river while mitigating the risk of flooding and erosion, we’re creating pools and riffles for healthy water flow and fish habitats.

Pools increase the river’s capacity and slow down flow velocities in the river. They allow sediment to settle, which prevents it being transported downstream, and also provides refuge for fish. Riffles are shallow areas that allow water to flow quickly over it. In sequence with pools, they help control the river flow to prevent erosion.

For more information on this and Stage 2, visit teawakairangi.co.nz/mills-st-stopbank

Stopbank construction works are also continuing between the Melling Bridge and Melling Road with crews receiving large rocks, extracting gravel and producing sand, gravel and crushed stone to build the stopbank.

International Monetary Fund projects steady global growth over the next two years

• The International Monetary Fund(external link) (IMF) is projecting steady growth for the global economy over the next two years, with growth projections unchanged in the latest update to its World Economic Outlook. The forecast for 2024 remains unchanged at 3.2 percent, while the forecast for 2025 is slightly higher 3.3 percent (compared to 3.2 percent in the April forecast).

Inflation slows to a three-year low

• Data released by Stats New Zealand(external link) on Wednesday showed that New Zealand’s consumer price index increased by 3.3 percent in the 12 months to the June 2024 quarter. This figure was below market forecasts and was a significant decline from the 4.0 percent increase during the March 2024 quarter. Domestic inflation pressures, while cooling, continue to underpin the headline inflation figure. 

Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the Government, and with many small bridges across the country suffering speed and weight restrictions due to their age and condition, it is essential these bridges are replaced with more modern and resilient structures,” Mr Brown says.

Update on global IT outage

Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update.

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the lead agency to coordinate the government response, working across relevant agencies to understand impacts on New Zealand government services, the private sector, and local communities.  

“Earlier this evening I was briefed on three main issues relevant to New Zealanders affected by the global outage,” says Mr Seymour.

Delivering 24 hour pothole repairs

Kiwis and freight operators will benefit from the Coalition Government delivering on its commitment to introduce targets that will ensure a greater number of potholes on our state highways are identified and fixed within 24 hours, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key priority for the Government, and boosting pothole repairs and prevention will deliver a safe and efficient network that will support this growth.

“Our Government has inherited a significant backlog of road maintenance across the network. We are now catching up on the maintenance deficit to ensure that Kiwis and freight can get to where they need to go, quickly and safely.

China: An economy of two speeds - July 2024

• New Zealand exports to China across key sectors saw slight increases or were consistent against 2023 levels in the year to April period. Dairy exports increased 3% yoy YTD April ($NZ 2.4 billion) despite downward pressure on global dairy prices, lower numbers of cattle in New Zealand during the 23/24 season and a reduction in China’s total imports of dairy. 
• However, meat export revenues dropped almost 29% yoy YTD April (NZ$985 million), due to high inventory and currently high pork supply on the market, which have both driven down the price of meat products. 

Get ready for personal income tax threshold changes

If you employ people, make sure your payroll system is updated with the new personal income tax thresholds from 31 July.

If you use payroll software, your provider should make the changes. If you don’t use payroll software, learn about the new thresholds.

Have your say: Work health and safety regulatory system

Business.Govt.NZ want to hear about your experiences with New Zealand's work health and safety regulatory system - how you think it's working, what you think works well, and what you think should change.

Consultation closes 31 Oct, 2024.

Christmas closure of rail network

Rail network closures for upgrades over the Christmas break have been announced:

• Part and full closures of each line will take place from 26 December,
• The WRL is closed until 10 February 2025,
• Upgrades include replacing track inside the Remutaka Tunnel.

Waihanga Ara Rau provides its third Operational Plan for the Construction and Infrastructure Industry.

With well over $3b worth of construction and infrastructure work to do in the Hutt Valley over the next 10 years this is an important update on the work of the Wainganga Ara Rau Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council.

Whakawhirinaki Silverstream Pipe Bridge Central Arch Successfully Installed

The central arch of the Whakawhirinaki Silverstream Pipe Bridge was successfully installed on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the project. The bridge lift proceeded smoothly, with the central arch being placed at around 1pm.

The event drew considerable public interest, with many community members coming along to witness this piece of Hutt Valley history in the making. Their presence and enthusiasm added to the occasion, making it a memorable day for everyone involved.

While video footage and photos will be available soon, the team captured a stunning picture of the central arch in place, accompanied by a matching rainbow, symbolizing the project's success.

For those interested in learning more about this project, further details can be found at the Wellington Water website: Silverstream Pipe Bridge Project.

Progress on Wainuiomata Hill Landslide Repairs

Hutt City Council has been making significant progress on the repairs to the landslide at the top of Wainuiomata Hill. Recently, the team completed the testing of trial anchors and has begun marking out, drilling, and grouting the permanent anchors. The next step will involve testing these permanent anchors to ensure their effectiveness.

Traffic management is in place from 9am on weekdays, and traffic has been flowing smoothly through the work area with no reported issues. The team will continue to monitor the situation to maintain this progress.

For more information on the works, visit hutt.city/wainuihill.

Upcoming Maintenance Work at Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wellington Water wishes to advise of upcoming maintenance work at the Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant, which may cause intermittent odour. Starting Monday, 29th July, preliminary works will commence on one of the four primary sedimentation tanks (PST) at the plant. These tanks are essential for settling solids out of wastewater, utilizing a mechanical system that scrapes solids from the bottom. Some components of this system are worn and require replacement.

The maintenance will involve emptying one of the tanks to replace the necessary equipment, with the work scheduled to take place from 29th July to 16th August. During the initial stage of emptying the tank, there is a risk of intermittent odour due to the movement of solid matter. An odour neutraliser will be used to mitigate this effect, but some odour may still be noticeable.

Regular updates on the progress of this work will be provided, and the topic will be discussed in the upcoming community meeting on 30th July.

For further information or to stop receiving these notifications, please contact Wellington Water at:

Email: Customer.Notifications@wellingtonwater.co.nz.

Seaview Odour Treatment Renewal project briefing

You are invited to a briefing on the planned odour treatment renewal work at the Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant. We will go through the design and work programme in detail and answer any questions. This briefing will be open to any interested members of the public. 

When: Tuesday, July 30, from 6pm - 7pm 
 
Where: Wellington Water (Level 4) 25, Victoria Street, Petone 
 
RSVP - Customer.Notifications@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Café Soleil opens their doors as a traditional tapas restaurant

Chamber Member Café Soleil has made an exciting transition to become Lower Hutt's only dedicated tapas restaurant! Known for their unwavering commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and allergy-friendly options, Café Soleil continues to cater to the entire family with a menu that boasts a delightful array of dishes perfect for sharing.

Whether you're gathering for a casual lunch or an evening meal, Café Soleil offers an inviting atmosphere and a menu designed to delight every palate. From traditional Spanish tapas to innovative creations, each dish is crafted to ensure a memorable dining experience.

Hours of Operation:

Dinner:

• Tuesday – Friday: 5pm – 9pm

Lunch:

• Friday – Sunday: 11am – 2pm

Join us at Café Soleil to enjoy a unique and flavourful dining experience right in the heart of Lower Hutt.

CONZTRUCT is heading to your area!

 If you’re a builder, tradie, or work in the construction industry, come along to New Zealand’s leading trade event to catch up with your mates, earn points, and hear about what’s new in the industry.

Some of the industry’s best brands will be showcasing their latest ranges, and there’ll be plenty of giveaways and demonstrations of the newest products to hit the market.

You'll get to meet with loads of people working on new projects, AND you can win a LDV T60 ute!

Where: Monday 19th August | 3:30pm-7pm

Location: Sky Stadium

Mexted Sports Turf | Delaney Drainage—Hutt City

Rugby, football and cricket players will all benefit from the installation of a new drainage system at Delaney Park in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, which should see a quicker turnaround between winter and summer codes, even in
wet spring conditions.
Tim Bargh, Hutt City’s Sportsgrounds Asset Manager, says “We wanted to start improving the field’s performance in winter because of closures over the last three to four years, and to get more usage out of it and increase the standards of play.” Working for Hutt City Council, Mexteds surveyed the
football and rugby #2 fields and the training areas and designed a drainage plan to tie in with the existing systems
and services. Todd Treweek, Mexteds’ Construction Supervisor, says despite good fall across the field, it was very uneven.

“We surveyed the field and used the laser guided equipment on our trencher, following the laser to grade to eliminate the dips and troughs.”
In all, Todd’s construction team installed 4,600 metres of primary lateral drains at five metre spacings using a Maletti trenching wheel, and a 300 metre collector drain around the
perimeter. Tim Bargh says “It went really, well. We’re happy, and the
comms were good.”

Ketchup launch event

Connect and collaborate with local business professionals at Ketchup, your bi-weekly network group. Facilitated by Laura-Jane Shaw from Activators Lower Hutt, this event promises engaging and productive networking. Don't miss out!

Z Energy | Chamber Deals

Z Business is delighted to advise that Chamber of Commerce members discount will increase from 10 cents per litre to 11 cents per litre off pump at service stations and truck stops from Monday 5 February.  

To find out more, click the button below!

Inferno Outdoor Fireplaces | Chamber Deals

Inferno Fires specialises in making their client's dreams & memories come true in their backyard. Inferno Outdoor Fires has a special offer for Chamber members of 5% off the marked price.

To find out more, click the button below!

Air New Zealand | Chamber Deals

For businesses looking to leverage the vast array of offerings from Air New Zealand, there's good news. Air New Zealand has crafted a specialised Business Services page that outlines the multitude of options and programs available for businesses.

To find out more, click the button below!

Bunnings Trade | PowerPass Member Deal

Unlock a range of discounts and simplify the procurement of a huge range of products across our nationwide store network.
Bunnings Trade has partnered with NZ Chambers of Commerce to offer members access to the PowerPass membership program providing a range of exclusive benefits.

For any questions or queries, please feel free to email us at orgs@bunnings.co.nz.

More than you expected – Rove Rentals – Commercial Fleet

Located in Wellington Region

Hutt Valley based Rove Rentals are local and have the flexibility to think on their feet and make productive decisions. 

ROVE started after seeing an increasing demand for commercial vans as well as a real shortage of quality vehicles and flexible terms. Using their 25 years’ experience in the motor vehicle service and retail industry, they knew they could provide a unique and quality service to the community.

Meeting the demand for local businesses means they provide modern vehicles and flexible arrangements that make the perfect solution and can fill the gap for businesses needing an extra van but can’t justify buying one.

Rove Rentals now have more commercial vehicles to meet your needs with specialised trucks to meet your business requirements.

HVCC OFFER – 15% off base rental rate, all vehicles

HOW TO REDEEM OFFER – when booking online, use code “HVC15” | when booking via phone or email, please mention this offer and confirm you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce

Brendan Foot Supersite | All-new 2024 Suzuki Swift with a petrol and mild hybrid engine.

Now Suzuki’s most fuel-efficient car – the new Swift smashed the factory fuel efficiency scores. The shape has been tweaked with a more modern interior, larger infotainment system, safety tech, and more colours to choose from. Suzuki Swifts are one of the most popular fleets cars and the 2024 model is available now from only $25,990 + ORC. It’s currently on display at Wellington airport.

2degrees Business Mobile| Chamber Member Deal

Join us on an eligible business mobile plan and get 2 months free. As a Chamber member you’ll also get 15% off for the life of your plan. 

50% discount on one-off deep cleaning service | CrewCare

As part of our commitment to the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Member-to-Member Discount Program, we are prepared to offer a 50% discount on our one-off deep cleaning service to all Chamber members. This significant discount is designed to provide value to our fellow members.

How to claim: Call on the 0800 number provided in the promo (0800-800-209)

T&C's apply. 

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