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Takitimu North LinkContractor’s newsletter - Te karere a te kaikirimana |
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16 October 2025 |
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Minden Gully interchange. Summer construction season beginsAs we enter our fifth construction season, the Takitimu North Link team is preparing for a busy and transformative summer of progress. Major works continue across the project area with some key sites at State Highway 2 (SH2) Fifteenth Ave, State Highway 29 (SH29), and Minden Road, Te Puna. SH2 / Fifteenth Ave Significant progress will be made on the bridge connection from Fifteenth Ave to SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road. This season’s work includes:
SH29 / Takitimu Drive Toll Road Flyover Construction is well underway on the major interchange connecting Tauriko and Tauranga CBD and is now very visible to motorists driving this road. Barriers have been installed on the flyover, and the bridge approach nearly complete. The SH29 southbound lane has been asphalted and once complete, work will begin on the northbound lane. Completion date is expected early-2027 and key features include:
Minden / Te Puna area
Earthworks The project’s major earthworks programme will wrap up this summer, completing an immense 3 million cubic metres of material in total! The crew will shift their focus to drainage and pavement construction. Expect to see more truck-and-trailer activity as aggregates arrive – on average, 1.2 metres of layered materials will sit beneath the road surface. Oturu Culvert nears completion One of this season’s larger structures is the Oturu Culvert, located opposite Loop Road near the western interchange at Te Rangi tua nehe Minden, Te Puna. Measuring 25 x 32 metres, this culvert will channel water from the three Oturu Stream tributaries toward I’Anson Reserve, playing a vital role in stormwater management. Once complete, traffic will travel over the culvert. Smith’s Farm Bridge progress Bridge beams are now in place at Smith’s Farm, and the team is preparing to pour the deck. Once finished, traffic will travel over this bridge, underneath provides access to the future housing area at Smith’s Farm. Drainage milestones ahead We’re installing 11km of drainage, with a goal to complete over 50% this season. This work is essential for long-term durability and final surfacing. A long, dry summer will help our crews stay on track.
Each milestone brings us closer to completion. Thank you for your continued support as we shape a reliable, efficient and safe, more connected future for the Western Bay.
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Kua tīmata te kaupeka waihanga o te raumatiI a tātou e kuhu ana ki te kaupeka waihanga tuarima, e takatū ana te kāhui o Te Ara o Takitimu ki te Raki mō tētahi raumati kokenga nui, whakamumu nui hoki. E haere tonu ana ngā mahi nunui puta noa i te wāhi waihanga, otirā ko ētahi wāhi matua kei Te Huarahi Matua 2 (SH2) Fifteenth Ave, Huarahi Matua 29 (SH29) me te Rori o Minden i Te Puna. SH2 / Fifteenth Ave Ka nui te kokenga whakamua o te arawhiti atu i from Fifteenth Ave ki SH29 Takitimu Drive Rori Utu. Anei ētahi o ngā mahi i tēnei kaupeka:
Te Arawhiti tāwhana o te Rori Utu o SH29 / Takitimu Drive Kua tīmata noa atu te waihanga i te pūtahi matua e tūhono ana i a Tauriko ki te Tāone o Tauranga, otirā e tino kitea ana e ngā kaihautū waka tēnei rori. Kua tū ngā tauārai ki te arawhiti tāwhana otirā kua tata te oti o te arawhiti. Kua tāhīrātia te ara-tonga o SH29, ā, kia oti ngā mahi ka tīmata ki te ara-raki. Ko te matapae ka oti katoa hei te hiku o te 2027, ā, ko ōna āhuatanga matua:
Te Rangituanehu / Te Puna rohe
Ngā keringa whenua Kua tata te oti o te hōtaka keringa whenua nui hei tēnei raumati, otirā ka eke ki te 3 miriona mita pūtoru oneone te nui o ngā keringa! Ka huri te aro o te kāhui ki ngā kēwai me te waihanga ara hīkoi. Nā reira ka nui ake te kitenga o ngā taraka tōtō i te wā ka tae ngā kōhatu - he āhua 1.2 mita o ngā rauemi tūāpapa ka noho ki raro i te mata o te rori. Kua tata oti te Karawata o Oturu Ko tētahi o ngā hanganga nui o tēnei kaupeka ko te Karawata o Oturu, kei rāwāhi o te Rori o Loop, tūtata ki te pūtahi uru kei Te Whārua o Te Rangituanehu, i Te Puna. He 25 x 32 mita te nui, ko tā tēnei karawata he kawe i te wai i ngā kōawaawa e toru o te Manga o Oturu ki I'anson Whenua Tāpui, otirā he wāhanga matua o te whakahaere i ngā wai ua. Ka oti ana, ka whiti ngā waka i te karawata. Te arawhiti o Smith’s Farm Kua tū kē ngā paepae arawhiti ki Smith’s Farm, otirā e takatū ana te kāhui ki te putu i te raima ki runga. Ka oti ana, ka whiti ngā waka ki runga i te arawhiti nei, ā, kei raro ko te tokokanga ki ngā whare hou ka tū ki Smith's Farm. Ngā whāinga riu hopuwai Ka tāuru mātou i te 11km o ngā riu hopuwai, otirā ko te whāinga ka oti te 50% hei tēnei kaupeka. He waiwai ēnei mahi kia tauroa te pūmau, kia pakari hoki ngā mata. Mā te raumati tauraki e āwhina i ā mātou kaimahi kia ū ki te wā. Mā te whakatutuki i ia whāinga iti e ū ai ki te whakaotinga nui. Ngā mihi ki a koutou e tautoko tonu nei i a mātou ki te waihanga i tētahi anamata tūhonohono tōtōpū, whaitake, haumaru hoki mō te rohe uru o Tauranga. |
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Planting progress: A greener future aheadWe're excited to be in our second planting season, and the growth has been phenomenal. Over winter 2024, our dedicated team planted 70,000 native plants. This year, that number has more than doubled with 142,000 plants now thriving across the project site. In total the project will see 950,000 plants put in the ground! By the time the road opens, the vegetation along the roadside will showcase between one and 4 years of growth, creating a lush and vibrant landscape for all to enjoy. A special focus has been placed on wetland planting. These carefully selected plant species are not only beautiful – they’re powerful allies in environmental restoration. They improve water quality, stabilise soil, support native wildlife, and enrich the ecological and cultural value of our wetlands. Each plant is well-suited to the unique wetland ecosystems of Aotearoa and play a vital role in long-term sustainability. |
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Tiare Hardcastle: Finding purpose through kaitiakitangaAt just 18 years old, Tiare Hardcastle is already carving out a path centred in culture, creativity, and conservation. Born in New Plymouth and raised in the Tauranga suburb of Maungatapu, Tiare carries the whakapapa of Ngāti Kahutianui and Te Atiawa, and her journey reflects the strength and resilience of her tūpuna. Her education path included Maungatapu Primary, Tauranga Intermediate’s Te Whānau o te Maro, Te Wharekura o Mauao in Bethlehem, and the Toi Ohomai Foundations Programme. But it was a simple Facebook post from local hapū that sparked something bigger – an invitation to join the Takitimu North Link, 25-week Kaitiaki Programme. The programme is a hapū initiative that brings together 15 practicing and aspiring kaitiaki, upskilling in the technical and hands-on environmental kaupapa of assessing, monitoring and management of land, water, flora, fauna and air quality. “I saw the post and felt drawn to it,” says Tiare, whose partner is from the local hapū. “It felt like a chance to do something that matters.” Each day provides a different classroom setting, from the Takitimu North Link project to the Tauranga Moana and historical walking trails in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest, including learning about the protection of bats in the ancient forest of Murupara. The kaitiaki experiences provide an opportunity to explore the meaning of kaitiakitanga through different lenses, disciplines and people, learning a bilingual skillset from both mainstream and kaupapa Māori academics, and field work specialists. On completion, kaitiaki receive a NZQA Level 4 Certificate, from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiārangi, but for Tiare, the real rewards have already begun in a tuakana-teina volunteer assistant role (kaiawhina).
“It’s given me hope,” she shares. “Hope that I can do something meaningful, that involves my culture, and that I really enjoy.” Tiare’s ultimate goal is to work in conservation, ideally in a kaitiaki role. Thanks to this opportunity, she’s now exploring internship programmes with partner organisations. Her story is a reminder that meaningful pathways don’t always follow the mainstream –and that when culture, community, and purpose align, incredible things can grow. |
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Existing SH2 above Te Puna Quarry Road, facing east towards Te Puna. Another step forward for Takitimu North Link Stage 2, extending the highway to ŌmokoroaA significant step forward is confirmed for Takitimu North Link Stage 2, with the lodgement of applications for statutory approvals under the Fast-track Approvals Act. Stage 2 extends the new 4-lane state highway a further 7.7km from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa. This important milestone came as contracts were awarded for design of this Road of National Significance, and work is underway to refine the design where Stage 1 and 2 meet at Te Puna, helping align both stages and reduce re-work under Stage 2. A programme of ground investigations for Stage 2, including geotechnical testing, topographical survey and soil contamination testing is now underway for the rest of 2025. People travelling through this area may notice these activities alongside SH2, with key sites near Snodgrass, Ainsworth, Te Puna Quarry and Munro roads, and near Oturu and Te Puna streams. We are looking forward to working on the design of Stage 2 with local authorities including Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and local hapū Pirirākau and Ngāti Taka, recognising the important role this infrastructure will have in the future prosperity of the region.
More information on Takitimu North Link Stage 2: Te Puna to Ōmokoroa. |
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Peyton, Alan, Jenny and Richie. Meet the Takitimu North Link TeamWe’re shining a spotlight on the incredible people behind the Takitimu North Link project with a new video series! Head over to the NZTA Waka Kotahi Waikato/Bay of Plenty Facebook page to catch the latest team member profiles. Alan, Peyton, Richie and Jenny have already shared their stories – with more inspiring profiles still to come. You’ll also find us on Linkedin, where we’ve posted a video featuring students from our recent Careers in Infrastructure Expo. It’s a great glimpse into the next generation of talent exploring opportunities in the infrastructure sector. You can connect with us through our social media channels here. |
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Latest PhotosView the latest project photos here. |
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Bay of Plenty road maintenance: What’s ahead for 2025–26Keeping our highways safe and strong Each spring and summer, NZTA rolls out its road renewal programme to maintain key state highways across the Bay of Plenty. This work helps keep roads safe, accessible, and resilient to support local communities and regional growth. This season’s focus includes:
We prioritise high-risk and high-traffic areas to reduce disruption and future costs. Warmer, drier weather helps ensure long-lasting road seals and better results. Read more about this summer’s Bay of Plenty September 2025 – May 2026 programme here. Major road rebuilds underway Alongside regular maintenance, NZTA is investing in significant road rebuilds and resurfacing across the region. Target corridors include:
This work supports the Government’s transport goals by improving road conditions, preventing deterioration, and reducing long-term costs. We’re committed to minimising disruption to road users while delivering safer, smoother journeys for everyone. We thank you in advance for your patience over this very busy summer season. Sign up to receive regular email updates about upcoming maintenance on Bay of Plenty state highways. |
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More information |
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Read more and sign up for updates about the project at:
Takitimu North Link Stage 1 Project Team
Phone - waea ki 0800 865 776 |
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