SH2 Waihī to Tauranga Corridor

Project update

23 April 2025

Community support for speed reversal on SH2 between Katikati and Te Puna

The speed limit on State Highway 2 (SH2) between Katikati and Te Puna (the 24.25km of SH2 from south of Marshall Road to east of Loop Road) will revert to its former speed of 100km/h by 1 July 2025, following the recent public consultation.

Earlier this year we consulted to find out public support levels for keeping current speed limits for SH2 between Katikati and Te Puna.

The majority of feedback received from the community and road users was not in support of retaining the lower speed of 80km/h for this route, with 61% in favour of the speed reverting to 100km/h.

The speed reversal is in line with the Setting of Speeds Limits Rule 2024, which legalises the Government’s expectation that speed limits on our roads will be managed in a way that supports economic growth, boosts productivity, and enables people to get to where they’re going quickly and safely.

The Rule allows for lower speeds to be kept on rural connectors and interregional connectors if the majority of road users and local communities supported retaining lower speeds.

In light of this change, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will continue to assess the safety of the state highway corridor including at intersections, balancing the considerations of local residents with the safety of all SH2 road users.

When SH2 reverts to 100km/h, the speed limit for heavy vehicles and towing vehicles will be 90km/h.

Further information about the recent state highway speed consultations can be found on our website.

Speed reversals and consultation - transitional changes 2024-25

The new roundabout at Apata takes shape.

More than just a new roundabout at Apata Station Road

The new roundabout at SH2 and Apata Station Road has been a big job, with many features making it more complex than others along the state highway. Much of the work to address these complexities has happened away from sight.

Before the team could begin constructing the roundabout, a new pipe system was needed for the stream that runs beneath the road.

Prior to this they were busy working behind the scenes making sure our native species were safe, relocating native lizards and fish and checking for roosting bats and birds.

They're also planting around 7,500m2 of ecological riparian plants, acting as a natural filter helping the stream and surrounding area to thrive long after the roundabout is complete.

With most of the work underground and behind the scenes complete, the team are now moving quickly towards the finish line. The new Apata Station Road approach is now being formed and the roundabout starting to take shape.

Completion of the roundabout is expected in the middle of this year.

Relocation of utility services have also contributed to the complexities of the Apata Station Road roundabout build.

The new pou at the corner of SH2 and Lund Road, and the sail situated at the corner of SH2 and Athenree Road.

Celebration of cultural recognition artworks and blessing

If you’ve travelled along the stretch of SH2 between Waihī and Aongatete lately you may have seen 2 new cultural artworks and a storyboard recently installed.

The artworks were developed by local hapū and include a beautifully carved pou at the corner of SH2 and Lund Road, a storyboard to accompany the existing pou of Muriwai at Athenree rest area, and a sail at the corner of SH2 and Athenree Road.

The relationship with mana whenua on the project has been longstanding including the project team working in partnership with local iwi Ngāi Tamawhariua, Ngāti Te Wai and Te Whānau-a-Tauwhao to create these artworks that represent cultural and historical significance for the iwi.

A dawn blessing was held on 28 March to unveil the artworks with over 100 hapū members in attendance along with contract partners, elected officials, community representatives and children from Waihī Beach School – Te Kura Tātahi o Waihī.

Dawn blessing of the storyboard that tells the story of Muriwai situated at the Athenree rest area.

More information

For more information on the SH2 Waihī to Tauranga Corridor project, contact us at bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh2-waihi-to-tauranga-corridor