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Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block |
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7 April 2025 |
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Waitara Road roundabout construction site Kia ora!Read on for news and updates on Te Ara Tūtohu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block. |
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Roller at work on Waitara Road roundabout construction site Progress updateConstruction on the Waitara Road roundabout and other improvements is on the home stretch – with construction of the roundabout itself on track to be completed by the end of May. Once the roundabout is complete, work will start on the section of Raleigh Street between State Highway 3 (SH3) and Tate Road including turning it into a cul-de-sac, with access in and out via SH3. This is expected to be complete by the end of July. A reminder that we are also completing 2 road rebuilds at the intersection over the next 2 months as part of our annual road renewal program. Both rebuilds involve road closures. More information about these is available on our website. |
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Left: The two rifle pits. Right: Home Guard members digging a rifle pit. Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections N0107005 A piece of WWII history uncoveredA piece of Taranaki’s Second World War history was uncovered recently during work on Te Ara Tūtohu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block – two Home Guard rifle pits. These rifle pits, found to the north of the intersection of State Highway 3 (SH3) and De Havilland Drive in Bell Block, were likely constructed between 1941-1942 as a defensive position to protect the Bell Block Aerodrome on Te Arei Road, which was being used as a Royal New Zealand Air Force training base, from a potential invasion by Japanese forces. The Home Guard was formed in 1940 in response to the potential threat posed by the Empire of Japan during the Second World War. Membership was initially voluntary but became compulsory from 1942 for men aged 35-50. Home Guard – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand “These are textbook Home Guard pits,” says project archaeologist Daniel McCurdy. “These are so textbook in fact that one of them conforms exactly (within a few inches) to the standard set out for the Home Guard. However, instead of an optional drainage trench at the base, the men chose to place timbers instead, likely reclaimed from the local farm.” There have been a number of archaeological finds on Te Ara Tūtohu since physical works began in 2023. Each time a potential find is made work pauses while an archaeologist and cultural monitors investigate. Depending on what is found it may be removed or documented and left in place – at which point work in the area can continue. “The area we are working in is historically significant – including being the location of many battles between iwi, and between Māori and Europeans,” says Te Ara Tūtohu project manager Calvin Rorke. “It’s important that whenever we come across a potential archaeological find in the course of our work that we take the time necessary to investigate.” “I know that I, and many of us working on Te Ara Tūtohu, have learnt a lot about the history of this area through our work on the project.” |
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Meet Riley - Site Engineer, Fulton HoganThis year we’re going to profile some of the team working to deliver the improvements on SH3 Waitara to Bell Block so you can learn about the different jobs involved as well as a bit about the different people working to make this stretch of highway safer for the local community. To start. we spoke with Riley, a Site Engineer with Fulton Hogan working to deliver the Waitara Road roundabout. Can you tell us about your role in the project and what your work involves? On the project I work as a site engineer with Fulton Hogan. My main tasks are to source materials, oversee all the work, and ensure it is completed to a high standard. Overseeing the work means I coordinate different teams, monitor progress, and quickly sort out any issues that come up to keep things on track. Once tasks are completed, I inspect them thoroughly before signing off to ensure they meet the project's standards. My role is vital for keeping the project on schedule and ensuring we deliver high-quality results. I work closely with the construction team, suppliers, and other key people to make sure we're all on the same page with the project’s goals and expectations. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? My passion for site engineering came from a deep fascination with construction and problem-solving, fuelled by hands-on building experiences in my youth. The combination of personal interests and promising career prospects made site engineering an inspiring and rewarding choice for me. Can you share a recent success story or a moment you’re particularly proud of from this project? Recently, we successfully reached and surpassed the halfway mark of construction on the Waitara Road roundabout. This milestone was achieved through diligent planning, strong teamwork, and effective communication, highlighting our collective effort and dedication. A great moment for the entire team! What’s your favourite local spot to relax or have fun? My favourite local spots are the football club for a game with mates and the gym for a good workout. Both give me a great way to unwind and stay active. |
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4 ways Te Ara Tūtohu will support growth in TaranakiTe Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block is improving safety on SH3 – and it's also supporting growth in Taranaki. Our work on SH3 from Waitara to Bell Block will make your travel more reliable, cater for increased visitor numbers, and support residential and population growth Watch our short video to find out how. |
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Supporting Road Safety Week 2025Road Safety Week 2025 is coming up on 12 – 18 May and we encourage you to join us in getting involved. Coordinated annually by road safety charity Brake and sponsored by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Beca, Road Safety Week aims to raise awareness and promote steps everyone can take to improve road safety in New Zealand. The theme is ‘Be a road safety hero’. This recognises everyone helping make our roads safer - from people designing and building safer roads to kids on road patrols - and highlights the part we can all play, including by being safe road users. It’s easy for people, schools, businesses and community organisations to get involved. Register today for a free action pack with guidance and resources to help you. Sign up for a free Road Safety Week 2025 action pack You can also nominate someone for the annual Road Safety Hero Award, sponsored by Road Safety Education Limited. Nominations close on 30 April. Winner will be announced at the launch of Road Safety Week. |
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Thanks Sophia!The team working on the Waitara Road roundabout recently received a lovely thank you from Sophia who lives near the site. Thanks Sophia for the note! The team really apprecaited it. |
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More information |
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For more information on Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block, contact us at w2bb@nzta.govt.nz Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/w2bb |
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