L to R Ngāti Tama gains 120ha of coastal land at Pukearuhe and Ngāti Tama leader Paul Silich at a workshop in 2017 to assess the route options for the new Mt Messenger Bypass.

Iwi supports Mt Messenger Bypass

Ngāti Tama is supporting agreements with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to take the project forward following an iwi-wide vote on the decision with an 82 percent majority in favour.

The deal includes a 120ha coastal property in exchange for 20ha of Ngāti Tama land, a cultural compensation payment and an environmental programme including pest management in perpetuity on 3,650ha of their land.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama Chair Paul Silich points out that most people they spoke with about the project knew the existing road was no longer fit for purpose.

“The new road will benefit all our communities. This pandemic has shown us just how reliant we are on securing highways for our essential goods.”

“This is a huge win for the environment, for Taranaki and for our iwi,” says Paul.

Emma Speight, Director of Regional Relationships Lower North Island says the project team has built a strong relationship with the rūnanga (Māori assembly or council).

“We have greatly appreciated the commitment and considerable contribution of Ngāti Tama to the project.

“Their input into the development of the bypass and knowledge of the land has been invaluable to creating a solution that will benefit the region,” she says.

The project is still awaiting the outcome of appeals to the High Court on the Environment Court’s interim decision, which were heard on 24 -26 August, before it can proceed.

“We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Ngāti Tama and are hopeful that matters at the Environment and High Courts will be resolved soon so we can begin building a safer and more resilient road,” she says.

The bypass is designed to provide better safety, resilience and journey reliability on State Highway 3, a key regional connection to the north. It will enhance local and regional economic growth and productivity for people and freight.

The project’s environmental restoration programme includes an intensive and enduring pest management programme over 3,650 hectares in perpetuity, along with sizeable areas of restoration planting and managing lizard, bat, bird and freshwater species.

This aims to achieve significant improvements in biodiversity within 10 to 15 years following completion of construction.

Delays on Mt Messenger 12 - 13 October

Essential maintenance, including drainage, slip clearing and pavement repairs, will be undertaken on Mt Messenger on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 October.

Due to the constrained nature of State Highway 3, traffic will not be able to pass through safely when work is underway, so we need to close the road in both directions on alternating hours.

Road closure times will be available from 6 October. Please check https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/ to plan your journey times to avoid delays. Thanks for your patience.

Getting the new road through Hammonds Hill ready for traffic.

Milestone for traffic passing through Awakino Tunnel Bypass project

From this week, motorists travelling through the Awakino Gorge will notice a big change with traffic moving permanently to the first part of new road, through Hammonds Hill.

Acting Portfolio Delivery Manager Jo Wilton says this is an exciting milestone for the project.

“With this change, road users will start to get more of a sense for what the completed route will look like.

“Taking the road through Hammonds Hill, rather than around, is the first major traffic switch of many for the project in order to construct the new road,” she says.

The new stretch of road has been sealed with a temporary chip seal surface, as it has been built in winter. This is to allow work to get underway on a stock underpass with enough time to see it completed this summer. A permanent surface will be put on the road during the summer.  

The focus for the project over the coming months will be making the most of the warm, fine weather to complete the earthworks and start constructing the new pavement.

The Awakino Tunnel Bypass project is scheduled for completion in mid-2021.

Newly completed retaining walls in the Awakino Gorge will make the route more resilient.

Awakino Gorge retaining walls now complete

With work to improve safety and resilience between Awakino and Mt Messenger continuing through the winter, retaining walls have now been completed at two sites in the Awakino Gorge.

Acting Portfolio Manager, Jo Wilton says the retaining walls will help prevent underslips occurring in the gorge, improving safety and reducing road closures and delays to motorists in the future.

“In October we’ll also undertake pavement and sealing works to complete the Ladies Mile Passing lane at the Western end of Awakino Gorge. We’d expect the new passing lane to be fully operational ahead of the busy summer holiday period.”

Construction contracts for improvements to the Tongapurutu intersection and Rapanui Passing Lane will be awarded by early October with work expected to start before the end of the year.

Take care near Mangaotaki

Work is underway on the construction of two retaining walls near Mangaotaki, just south of Piopio. Stop/Go traffic management is in place during work hours. Completion date is early December.

This new display poster is being installed in the Mokau Museum this week, providing an overview of the Awakino Tunnel Bypass project along with the history of the tunnel and travel through the area. Visitors will also be able to source regular information handouts on the SH3 programme.

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