Ōtaki to north of Levin update

17 July 2025

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga and council partner Horowhenua District Council (HDC) are working together to create a positive legacy for the region while we build a new, safer, efficient, and more reliable State Highway 1 (SH1) from Ōtaki to north of Levin.

Ō2NL establishment works are now underway, with work starting at North Manakau Road to set up erosion and sediment controls and site access.

Getting ready for construction – establishment works now underway

We have now started establishing our work sites to prepare for the start of main construction in Spring this year. 

You can expect to see a range of activities across the highway footprint and on the intersecting local roads. The establishment works include:

• fencing, building demolition and relocations
• building and establishing site offices  
• setting up material supply sites (where we’ll get the material we need to build the road) and locations for storing materials  
• building haul roads and access tracks  
• establishing environmental, erosion and sediment controls  
• building the predator proof area  
• further site investigations including continuing road testing, service location, ongoing soil testing, monitoring, surveying, and archaeological digs.   

We’ll keep neighbours and the community updated on what to expect in terms of day-to-day activity, the areas we’ll be working in, and how it might impact you, including how you’ll get around or changes you might notice in your neighbourhood.  

What to expect during site establishment works

• Over the next three months, you can expect to see more project staff and activity across the region. This will include machinery such as excavators and vehicles accessing site using designated entrances.   
• Safety is always our number one priority on site, to keep our crews, road users and the community safe.   
• Establishment works will be carried out on weekdays, generally between 7am and 6pm, with Saturday work as required.  
• To keep everyone safe, temporary traffic management and temporary speed limits might be in place on local roads. Please follow all signage and drive to the conditions.   

If you have any questions throughout the establishment works, please get touch by emailing info@o2nl.nz or calling 0508 625 4636.

Design underway

Last month we let you know the NZTA Board had confirmed additional funding to ensure the project will progress, including some features from the originally consented concept design.

As a result of the Board decision, the following elements of the project have been reinstated:

• The new highway connection with Tararua Road in Levin will be a grade-separated interchange.
• The southern connection, near Taylors Road, will include a southbound onramp, allowing vehicles travelling south on the current SH1 to join the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway north of Ōtaki.
• The local road at Manakau Heights will be connected across the new highway via a bridge.

We’re working through developing the design and look forward to sharing this with you in the coming months.

Project site office 'Te Mātahi o Tararua' on Tararua Road

Ō2NL site office getting established

The project team is settling into the new site office on Tararua Road 'Te Mātahi o Tararua', though the new office isn’t yet set up to host community drop-ins.

We look forward to welcoming you to the new space in the coming months and until then, we’ll be looking to host events at local community venues. Keep an eye out for our next newsletter, where we will invite you to an August community drop-in session.

In the meantime, please continue to use our email info@o2nl.nz and phone 0508 625 4636 if you have any questions.

SH1/Waitārere Beach Road intersection

Levin to Foxton safety improvements: Funding secured for SH1/Waitārere Beach Road roundabout

Funding has been secured for the next phase of the Levin to Foxton safety improvements – the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of SH1 and Waitārere Beach Road in Horowhenua.

The new roundabout is needed to safely connect the growing Waitārere Beach community to SH1.

With the funding secured we’re now working to appoint a contractor and expect to start construction towards the end of this year.

The roundabout is being constructed as part of a suite of safety improvements being made to SH1 between Levin and Foxton in preparation for Ō2NL.

We’re committed to creating a roading network that enables people and goods to get to where they’re going safely and efficiently. Once the new Ō2NL highway is complete, these cost-effective safety improvements will keep people safe while they transition between the new and existing highway environments.

More information

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/o2nl to find out about the new highway and other projects happening in this corridor.

For more information on the Ōtaki to north of Levin programme, contact us at info@o2nl.nz or call 0508 625 4636.