Connecting Hawke's Bay

7 May 2025

Tēnā koe,

In this issue of Connecting Hawke’s Bay, we’re bringing you the latest updates on the Waikare Gorge realignment project, speed limit changes, and an invite to the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project drop in session, and more.

Whether you’re here for the big projects or just curious about what’s happening on the state highways in Hawke’s Bay, we’ve got the inside lane to keep you in the loop.

Drop in & chat: Hawke’s Bay Expressway project

Tomorrow evening, we're holding a drop-in session on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project.

Whether you have specific questions or just want to chat, drop in between 5pm and 7pm to find out more about the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project. Our local project team will be available to talk with you, answer your questions, and provide information.

No formal presentations or programme – just come when it suits you!

• Where: Greenmeadows East Community Hall, 83 Tait Drive, Greenmeadows
• When: Thursday 8 May, any time between 5pm and 7pm

Follow the event on Facebook to receive notifications.

Aerial of the Kennedy Road overpass, taken late 2024.

Key milestones reached for the Waikare Gorge realignment project

The project team has been working hard behind the scenes since the Minister’s funding announcement in February. Two key milestones have been reached – the appointment of our Principal’s Technical Advisor (PTA) and the granting of consents.

We have Beca and Stantec on board as our PTA, leading with a locally driven approach while tapping into expertise across the country. They’re preparing the tender documentation for the Design and Construct (D&C) contract, including shaping the specimen design – the blueprint for the entire project. We expect to award the D&C contract later this year and begin construction early next year.

Meanwhile, land use consents have been granted from Hastings District Council and Wairoa District Council, and resource consent granted by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council – a significant step in keeping this project moving.

Click on the picture below to watch the flyover video below of the proposed alignment.

Changes to speed limits in the region

The new Setting of Speeds Rule 2024 (the Rule) requires changes to speed limits on State Highway 51 (SH51) and State Highway 5 (SH5).

The Rule legalises the Government’s expectation that speed limits on New Zealand’s roads will be managed in a way that supports economic growth, boosts productivity, and enables people to get to where they are going quickly and safely.

SH51 Napier to Clive
The 80km/h speed limit on SH51 (from south of the SH51/Marine Parade intersection to north of Farndon Road) has now reverted to 100km/h. Drivers should remember that 100km/h is the maximum speed – and not the target. Anytime you’re travelling you should adjust your speed depending on the weather conditions and your environment. If you’re driving heavy vehicles or towing, 90km/h is still the maximum speed you can travel when the speed limit is 100km/h or higher.

SH5 Eskdale to Rangitaiki
Following public consultation earlier this year, the 80km/h speed limits through Tarawera, Te Pōhue, Turangakumu, and Te Hāroto will revert to 100km/h. Under the Rule, speed limits must revert to their previous higher speed limits by July 2025 unless consultation shows majority support for keeping them lower. With less than 50% of respondents wishing to retain lower speed limits, these sections – including the open road sections – will return to 100km/h before 1 July this year. We will advise of the date of the speed limit change soon.

Licence to thrive: How CONNECT is changing lives in Central Hawke’s Bay

Central Hawke’s Bay College students (pictured) are among those who gained a licence through a programme that helps rangatahi (young people) in the district to become safe, full licenced drivers. 

The programme is run by CONNECT Driver Safety & Licensing, which offers driver safety training to ALL high school students in Central Hawke’s Bay when they turn 16.  

General manager of the programme Kelly Annand says, "We give them a pathway to get a licence while at high school. That’s when they’re most receptive to safety messages and learning."

"In a rural community like Central Hawke's Bay, it’s vital to arm our young people with the ability to drive themselves to opportunities, to access employment, sports, and cultural activities. 

"It’s the best thing we can do to ensure our young people hit the ground running, contribute to their whānau and community."

"Thanks to NZTA Waka Kotahi for your amazing support of communities like ours–you are helping us to change lives one licence at a time," says Kelly.

Pass rates are over 80% for restricted tests and over 90% for full tests as driving instructors and mentors support students to be ready for their tests.  

"Our pass rates are so high because we don’t let anyone sit if they haven’t had adequate training and are assessed as ready by our instructors," says Kelly.

On average 140 young people enrol in CONNECT's learner driving programme each year from high schools and the community, while around 550 people sat their practical test last year in Central Hawke’s Bay.

CONNECT has also helped over 400 people to break the cycle of driving offending and gain a licence, by assisting with ID requirements, licence progression and reinstatement, and defensive and safety driving programs. It helps create pathways for people into heavy traffic licensing and other employment opportunities.

CONNECT is supported by NZTA's regional advisor Davey Forbes as part of our work to improve access to driver licensing.

Expressway closures this week

A reminder that sections of SH2 Hawke's Bay expressway between Meeanee Road and Pakipaki are closing this week at nights for regular maintenance. Crews will be resurfacing bridge abutments and refreshing roundabout line markings. 

Signposted detours are available for vehicles up to 50MAX permitted vehicles. Plan ahead and stay updated at Journey Planner or Facebook.

Be a Road Safety Hero

Road Safety Week 2025 is just around the corner (12 to 18 May) and we encourage you to get involved.

Coordinated by road safety charity Brake and sponsored by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Beca, this annual event raises awareness for road safety and encourages everyone to take simple steps to keep themselves and others safe on the roads.

This week recognises the everyday heroes who make our roads safer and support people following crashes – from emergency services to health professionals, transport engineers to school crossing patrols, road workers to community campaigners.

It’s easy 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.

Recovery updates

The Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance are completing recovery work on our region’s state highways. If you’d like to receive updates from TREC, sign up here.