Care for kiwi and all native species is a major feature of Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass project

Project begins first full construction season

Protection of kiwi and other native species continues on Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass as the project enters its full first construction season (October to April).

Safety Advisor Lee Tuhiwai recently met Martian, one of the many electronically tagged kiwi in the project area, on the same day as two kiwi eggs were uplifted for safe incubation.

After hatching, the chicks will be creched outisde the region until they’re regarded as being 'stoat proof', at which time they’ll be brought back to the ngahere (forest) around the site of the future 6km bypass.

While preparations continue for the construction of a cableway to transport machinery and workers into the heart of the project, the Mt Messenger Alliance team is also busy with its major pest management programme. Recent activities have included the removal of wild goats from the area, and the laying of bait and traps to reduce the presence of species such as rats, stoats, possums and ferrets.

Davis McClutchie from the Mt Messenger Alliance shows Uruti School pupils some of the traps being used to reduce pest populations across 3,650 hectares around the Te Ara o Te Ata project area.

Reaching out to local schools

The Mt Messenger project team has been on the road recently, discussing the project with students at nearby schools.

From pest management to bridge building, and earthworks to cultural monitoring, the wide range of project areas have been creating great conversations among the pupils and team members.

Owner Interface Manager Chris Nally said, "It's a real privilege to be sharing the stories of this project with local kids. We've had some great questions so far, from students of all ages." 

The 'Drive the Bypass' simulator was enjoyed by the associate minister and other guests at the project launch event on 6 October.

Associate Minister marks official project launch

Associate Transport Minister Kieran McAnulty came to Taranaki last month to officially launch the Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass project alongside iwi partner Ngāti Tama, the Mt Messenger Alliance, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency staff, and local stakeholders and community members.

The launch event showcased a range of project features including its major pest management commitment, restoration planting, and the innovative cableway structure that will enable access for machinery and workers into the heart of the new State Highway 3 route in North Taranaki.

The Associate Minister also tried out the project's simulator, which gives users a virtual experience of driving this future replacement section of SH3.

You can watch a video of the event, including key parts of the Associate Minister's speech, here.

Surfacing work marks the final stage of the Awakino Tunnel Bypass project.

Surfacing works at SH3 Awakino Tunnel Bypass

Road surfacing works will begin soon on SH3 at the Awakino Tunnel Bypass.

For the duration of the work, which is targeted for completion by the end of the year, traffic will be reduced to one lane with Stop/Go control and a 30 km/h speed limit. The rest area and walkway to the tunnel will be closed to the public while the surfacing is taking place.

Drivers travelling between Taranaki and Waikato should expect delays and allow extra time for their journey.

This work marks the final stage of the Awakino Tunnel Bypass project. The temporary speed limit will be removed once the work is complete.

Waka Kotahi thanks drivers for their patience.

Please visit our Journey Planner for travel time information, traffic cameras, and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures.

The journey north

With our maintenance programme in full swing and a number of projects underway on SH3 between New Plymouth and Te Kuiti, you can expect to encounter a number of roadwork sites when travelling along this route.

People are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and consider planning rest stops along the route before heading off.

There are currently multiple reseal and maintenance sites with stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits, as well as traffic lights at locations including the Awakino Gorge and south of Pio Pio.

Please visit our Journey Planner for travel time information, traffic cameras, and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures.

More information

For more information on the Awakino Gorge to Mt Messenger Programme, contact us at SH3@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/a2mm