Northland Corridor

14 November 2024

Project Update – November 2024

Tena koe and welcome to the latest edition of the Northland Corridor newsletter.

Thank you to everyone who continues to reach out about this project. We know there is a high level of interest in the project and the team is gearing up to go on a summer roadshow, sharing our progress with you on all 3 Roads of National Significance (RoNS) that make up the Northland Corridor at local markets across Northland. See our information below on where you’ll find us this summer. 

In this edition of the newsletter, we give an update on how the geotechnical investigations are progressing in the first section, Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana. We also have details of Northland’s largest ever summer maintenance programme and how you can stay up to date with works that are happening near you.

Northland Corridor Summer Roadshow

The project team is looking forward to hitting the road this summer, heading along to community markets across Northland. We’re excited to share our progress on the project with you and hear some local insights. Our first stop is Saturday 23 November at the Mangawhai Community Market. We’d love to see you there.

What if I can’t make the roadshow?

We understand that summer is a busy time, so if these dates and times don’t work for you and you’d like to talk to us, feel free to reply to this email or contact us on northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

Section 1 update: Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana

It’s full steam ahead for the geotechnical investigation in the Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana section of the corridor, with 510 metres of borehole drilling already complete and a full contingent of rigs and people now onsite.

Last week the team attended a walk over through Matariki Forest in the Dome Valley in preparation for geotechnical investigations starting this week. Later this month, we’ll use helicopters to move machinery to a few hard-to-access areas of the forest and we’ll share some photos of the action.

Section 2 and 3 update: Te Hana to Whangārei

The team is continuing to work hard to make decisions about the route north of Te Hana. As we are tasked with delivering 3 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), 100 km over the corridor, we are working to a different scope to other previous projects – building a road that is 4 lanes and mainly grade separated. However, we are able to use all the work done to date across the corridor to help us move towards delivery at pace.

Northland’s summer maintenance programme

This summer we are undertaking Northland’s largest road maintenance and rehabilitation programme ever.

The works will see approximately 210 lane kilometres of state highway renewed across the region by the end of May 2025. As well as ensuring a smooth, skid-resistant surface, road resurfacing helps to protect the important structural layers underneath, improves waterproofing to help prevent potholes, and extends the life of the road.

We’ll minimise any disruptions to road users as much as we can while we complete these important works, which will improve the road and make everyone’s journey safer and more enjoyable.

As part of these works we will be resealing near the Brynderwyn Hills. All locations for the summer maintenance programme can be found here.  Find more information on the programme here.

Meet the Team

Meet our Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Shaun Grieves.  Shaun is part of the team working on route selection for Sections 2 and 3 from Te Hana to Whangārei.

Tell us about yourself and your role
Born and raised in Northland, I have a deep-rooted connection to this region. I’m currently living in Ruakākā with my family. Having spent the past 10 years working on the Northland state highway and local road network, I’ve gained extensive experience in the geological complexities unique to this area.

As the Principal Geotechnical Engineer for the Northland Corridor, I assess the geological and ground challenges of the area for example, potential flood risks and landslide susceptibility, to provide insights into how different routes can be constructed safely, efficiently and cost effectively.  This work informs selection of the preferred corridor from Te Hana to Whangārei along with assessments on social, environmental, cultural and property impacts.

What excites you about the Northland Corridor?
Having watched the motorways gradually extend northward throughout my life, I'm most excited about contributing my detailed knowledge of Northland's geological intricacies to make this project successful. This is more than just a job for me. It's an opportunity to enhance the lifeline of our community, ensuring that Northland remains connected and continues to thrive.

More information

For more information on the Northland Corridor, please visit nzta.govt.nz/projects/connecting-northland or contact us at NorthlandProject@nzta.govt.nz