Takitimu North Link

Contractor’s newsletter - Te karere a te kaikirimana

24 March 2026

Looking towards SH29 and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road flyover over the Kōpūrererua Valley.

Project update / He karere hou

As construction activity continues, the scale of the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project is becoming increasingly visible.

Earthworks are nearing completion and the focus is now on the critical systems that will support the new corridor for decades to come, with a major shift from groundwork to the intricate engineering that brings a transport project to life. From extensive drainage installation to the first layers of pavement, each milestone is laying the foundation for a reliable, resilient and safer, route for the Western Bay of Plenty.

I te wā e koke tonu ana ngā mahi hanganga, e tino kitea ana te whānui o te hora o ngā mahi o te Wahanga 1 o Te Ara o Takitimu ki te Raki.

Kua tata oti ngā keringa whenua, ā, ko te aronga kē ko ngā pūnaha waiwai hei tautoko i te ara hou i ngā tau e tū mai nei, otirā kua nuku ngā mahi i ngā mahi keri whenua ki te mahi pūhanga whakarākei e ora ai tēnei kaupapa tūnuku.  Mai i ngā tāurunga mitiwai ki ngā papanga tuatahi o te huarahi tonu, ko tā ia whāinga he whakatakoto i te tūāpapa mō tētahi ara horopū, manawaroa, haumaru hoki mō te rohe o Te Moana-o-Toi.

Drainage: The unsung hero of roading
Drainage may not be visible once the road is complete, but it plays a critical role in protecting the network, especially during severe weather events.

To date, our teams have installed:

• 5.65km of underground pipework (out of a total 7km)
• 265 structures so far, including manholes, catchpits, and wingwalls (out of the 320 planned in total)
• 13 culverts, including 6 large box culverts – the largest measuring 3m wide, 2m high, and an impressive 46.5m long.

These systems form the backbone of the new corridor, ensuring water is safely managed and the road remains resilient in all conditions.

Pavement construction underway
Work has started on the road surface for the new 4-lane road, with the first 540m section now fully stabilised. Beneath the stabilisation layer lies 1.05m of rock and aggregate in multiple grades, forming a strong foundation for the asphalt surface to come.

Cement stabilisation is a widely used, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable ground improvement method. It enhances soil and aggregate strength and increases load-bearing capacity and reduces moisture sensitivity. We’ll share a deeper dive into how this works in our next newsletter.

SH29/SH2 road widening and detours
Road widening is underway on the SH29/SH2 section of the project, where a temporary detour is currently in place. This work will create 2 lanes for traffic coming from SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road, improving flow and safety once completed mid-year. More information.

Minden Road North
Work is steadily progressing along Minden Road North, between the 2 new roundabouts and the Te Puna shops. Crews are continuing with road widening activities, drainage installation, and the construction of new pavement layers. The current works remain on track for completion in April 2026, and residents can expect to see ongoing activity in the area as these upgrades take shape. Read more about changes to road layout in this area on our website.

Safety for all
With more of the project construction now taking place close to, or on the existing SH29/SH2, we kindly remind drivers to:

• Slow down through the work zone
• Follow all detour signage
• Stay out of construction areas – members of the public entering active work zones poses serious risks to both themselves and our crews.

Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe while we deliver this important upgrade.

Closing one chapter, building the next: Insights from the structures team

Takitimu North Link Stage 1 is entering a defining moment.

After 4 years of construction, the project’s major structures, earthworks, and environmental works are now well advanced. Ten bridges – spanning a combined 1.6km across the 6.8km corridor – have been built from 45 spans and around 12km of piles. Ranging from 20 to 360m long and up to 25m high, these structures will stand as some of the project’s most visible achievements when the final bridge is completed in 2026.

This milestone also marks a transition for the people who built them. As bridge and culvert works wind down, many of the structures team are preparing to move on to new opportunities. Three team members reflect below on what they’ve learned, what they’re proud of, and how the experience will shape their next steps.

Frankie (bottom left) with some of the team from the Minden Gully Bridge build.

Frankie – Foreman

Frankie has spent more than 2 decades in structures, building a reputation for calm confidence and deep practical knowledge. After starting with a carpentry qualification and struggling to find an apprenticeship, he moved into structures work on the advice of friends – and never left.

Joining the project as a specialist operator, Frankie later became piling foreman and then bridge foreman, leading some of the project’s most complex operations.

Tackling the tough stuff
For Frankie, the biggest challenges were piling and major lifts. With piles driven up to 35m deep and 70-tonne girder lifts using a 600-tonne crane, success relied on planning, precision and trust in the team.

Growing as a leader
The project strengthened his leadership skills, especially learning how to balance high standards with different working styles across the crew.

What’s next
Frankie will join the Fulton Hogan Civil team at the OGL Goldmine Water Treatment Plant in Waihī – another project close to home in Tauranga.

Final word
“The Minden Gully Bridge is the best structure on the project.”

Ewa (left), and some the Minden Gully Bridge Team.

Ewa – Senior Project Engineer

Growing up in Poland, Ewa was surrounded by bridge talk long before she entered the profession. With a bridge-designer brother-in-law and a natural interest in structures, civil engineering became a clear path.

Balancing complexity and people
Her role requires managing technical demands, programme pressure and crew performance – while keeping health and safety at the centre.

Moments that stay with you
A local kindergarten visit to name the cranes remains a favourite memory, as does the first girder lift: weeks of planning culminating in a successfully delivered, precise, high-stakes operation.

Learning from every direction
Working alongside experienced designers, engineers, subcontractors and crews reinforced the importance of detailed planning, sequencing and coordination.

Career highlights
Before Minden Gully Bridge, Ewa worked on the SH27 Mangawhero Bridge replacement and major Auckland projects including Wynyard Edge Alliance and eTRACS, a KiwiRail initiative to upgrade services between Papakura and Pukekohe in Auckland.

What’s next
With Minden Gully Bridge wrapping up, she’s preparing for her next challenge – bringing the same discipline and curiosity that have shaped her career so far.

Fabian (3rd from right in yellow vest) and the Wairoa River Bridge construction team with one of the newly installed barriers featuring the artwork of Ngāti Kahu artist Whare Thompson.

Fabian – Structures Engineer

Fabian’s passion for structural engineering comes from wanting to build safe, resilient infrastructure. He enjoys the clarity of structures work – analysing loads, optimising systems and ensuring long-term durability.

From South Africa to Aotearoa
After working on bridges, treatment plants, pipelines and pump stations in South Africa, Takitimu North Link became his first New Zealand project. He quickly adapted to local standards and built strong working relationships.

A detail worth knowing
The Wairoa River Bridge includes New Zealand’s first I-section NU girder, a design that reduces weight and improves efficiency by integrating girders with deck panels and topping.

Challenges and growth
Fabian gained hands-on experience across construction processes, quality assurance, materials verification, health and safety, and coordination with supervisors, subcontractors, and consultants. Seeing theory applied on site strengthened his technical judgement and communication skills.

A memorable moment
Wearing his Springboks jersey after their win over the All Blacks sparked plenty of friendly banter on site.

What’s next
Fabian will return to the Fulton Hogan Bay of Plenty Civil Engineering team to support new regional projects.

Final reflections
He describes the project as rewarding and technically demanding, reinforcing the value of strong planning, collaboration and clear communication. Contributing to a transport corridor that will improve safety and connectivity in the Western Bay of Plenty is something he’s genuinely proud of.

Latest photos

Fifteenth Ave bridge: The last deck pour has been completed, with the focus now on barrier installation and constructing the bridge approaches.

SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road flyover bridge: Construction traffic is now using the bridge and pavements are being constructed for the approaches to this 363m long Super T bridge.

Smiths Farm Bridge: The 48-metre-long box culvert is now complete, with the stream now flowing through it. and the final finishing works are progressing well. Earthworks continue in this area.

Wairoa River Bridge: The bridge is 80% complete with the deck and barriers installation underway.

Minden Gully interchange: All bridge structures are nearing completion with barrier construction and handrails being installed. The twin roundabouts are complete with final asphalt to be laid.

Western tie in SH2 Ōtūru Culvert: Finishing works are now underway on the completed 30m wide, 20m long structure.

Statutory approvals granted for Takitimu North Link Stage 2

Takitimu North Link Stage 2 has taken a major step forward with all statutory approvals necessary for construction and operation of the project granted by the expert panel. A 20-day appeal period follows the decision published 19 March 2026.

This decision is a significant milestone towards delivering a reliable, resilient and safe state highway between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa.

The Fast-track Approvals Act (FTAA) pathway was used to secure project approvals. The application was lodged in August 2025 and the final decision issued 19 March 2026. 

As part of its process, the panel received responses from parties invited to comment, including from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, local hapū, and local residents. NZTA Waka Kotahi is grateful for the input and contributions through this process and over many years, to get to this point on this important project.

The Panel’s decision and documentation is published at fasttrack.govt.nz

The consent conditions for the approvals set the bottom lines for managing the environmental effects of the project, including terrestrial and freshwater ecology, stormwater, construction traffic, and noise and vibration.   

While design work for the project is underway, we will continue to acquire property for the 7.7km expressway and identify opportunities for any early works to get underway. 

We expect to finish the pre-implementation phase in 2027. Specific construction timing will not be confirmed until construction funding is approved.

Read more about Takitimu North Link Stage 2

In your neighbourhood

There’s a lot happening on the roads across the Western Bay of Plenty, and it can make a real difference to your day-to-day travel. In this section, we highlight key works, changes, and improvements you might come across as you move around the region – so you know what to expect and can plan your journey with confidence.  Journey planner is also a great tool to support your travel plans.

SH2/Ōmokoroa Road roundabout nears completion

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council SH2/Ōmokoroa roundabout is entering its final stretch. By the Easter holiday weekend, the roundabout will look and feel largely complete: line marking, traffic lights, planting, and safety barriers will all be in place, giving drivers a clear sense of the finished layout.

You may still notice a few temporary speed limit signs around the site after Easter. These are there for a good reason. The final skid resistant surface – designed to provide extra grip on approaches to intersections, tight bends, and roundabouts – can only be applied when the weather is warm and dry. This specialist surface is especially important for safety in wet conditions.

Celebrating the team working on SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa

Communities across the East Coast of the North Island are still feeling the effects of this summer’s weather events, and keeping people connected is a core priority for NZTA and our contractors. When heavy rain triggered major slips that blocked SH2 at Apata and Pahoia, the team acted quickly to ensure the route could reopen as soon as possible.

Crews immediately established detours, transported earthmoving equipment to the affected areas and began extensive clearing work, including tree felling and debris removal. They operated across day and night shifts for 36 hours to reopen SH2 ahead of the long weekend, supporting residents, freight, and people travelling to important events.

These pictures show one of the major slip sites following rainfall, and the following day with many hands on deck readying to reopen the road. The timing mattered, as a wedding day was being hosted in the garden of the neighbouring property that afternoon (which went ahead as planned – congratulations!).

Alongside the major slips, crews cleared several smaller sites north and south of the area, with support from Western Bay Arborists to safely remove heavy vegetation and large pines. Their hard mahi helped restore a key link on the state highway network at a time when communities needed it most.

Thank you to the team who worked long hours in tough conditions to get SH2 open again.

Maintenance update

There are 2 remaining resurfacing sites to complete on SH2 for the 2025/26 state highway maintenance season which ends in May – one near Snodgrass Road and one near Barrett Road. We’ll share confirmed dates as soon as they’re scheduled. These works will be carried out overnight under stop/go traffic management to take advantage of lower traffic volumes and minimise disruption for drivers.

Sign up to receive regular email updates maintenance activities on Bay of Plenty state highways.

SH2 Takitimu Drive nightworks.

More information

Read more and sign up for updates about the project at:
nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth

Takitimu North Link Stage 1 Project Team
Te Tira Mahi o Te Ara o Takitimu Wāhanga Tuatahi

Phone - waea ki 0800 865 776
Email - īmēra info@takitimunorthlink.co.nz
Website - paetukutuku nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth