Kia ora koutou katoa

Welcome to the Haratua Connect Rotorua pānui (newsletter). This pānui is our place to share updates on Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency projects being planned or underway in the Rotorua Lakes District.

Connect Rotorua is a programme of work to improve Rotorua’s transport network. We’re creating a safe and sustainable network to support your community wellbeing and make daily journeys more enjoyable.

nzta.govt.nz/connect-rotorua

SH30/SH33 Whakatāne turn off

Latest news - Ngā karere

We’re making the Whakatāne turn off safer

People navigating the busy Whakatāne turn-off will soon feel more comfortable turning as a new roundabout will safely slow state highway traffic. In early May we announced $6.4million funding has been approved to complete the detailed design and construct a new roundabout at the State Highway 30/State Highway 33 Te Ngae Junction (Whakatāne turn off).

Why a roundabout? When people approach roundabouts, they have to reduce their speed to navigate the intersection. This helps by providing gaps and allows traffic from side roads to turn safely. They also significantly reduce head-on and side impact crashes.

The funding may seem a lot, however constructing a roundabout at this location isn't as straightforward as it may seem.

Part of the improvements include a new right turn bay on SH30 so people turning into Rangiteaorere Road, or heading to Mātāikotare marae, have a safer place to wait while waiting to turn right.

People who like to ride bikes will also benefit. Rangiteaorere Road will be used for people heading north on bikes, safely separating them from vehicles at the roundabout. For those coming from the other directions, the slower vehicle speeds and road shoulders as you approach the intersection will make it safer.

Mid-year you can expect to see work get underway. First the site needs to be cleared of trees and vegetation, we’ll locate and move any services and then start the earthworks. The earthworks involve widening the road for the roundabout, laying drainage and constructing a retaining wall to support the roundabout. Then finally, laying the new roundabout road surface, building the kerbs and traffic island, and installing the roadside barriers, streetlighting, signs and road markings.

All going to plan the new roundabout will be operating early next year.

To find out more, visit the project wepage or view:

Media release
Frequently asked questions
Project information sheet

Tamariki and kura whānau of Whangamarino school at the unveiling event with Transport Minister Michael Wood, Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick and MP Tamati Coffey.

Thank you to Ngāti Pikiao and Whangamarino School

We’d like to thank Ngāti Pikiao, Chief Te Ariki Morehu and Whangamarino School for hosting the Minister of Transport Hon Michael Wood last month. The tamariki and kura whānau did an outstanding job in making the Kura School sign unveiling a successful event. 

New shared path alongside SH33

Update on SH33 safety improvements

We’ve been making this stretch of road safer and most of the improvements have been completed. It’s looking good and no doubt many are enjoying the safety benefits of the wider centreline and shoulders, and new passing lane.

The project started late 2017 and there have been several positive changes to it. These came about while working with other Waka Kotahi teams and continuing work related to the Road to Zero strategy. These include:

• Reviewing and putting in place safer speeds along SH33 and SH30 between Paengaroa and Rotorua airport, including Paengaroa, Ōkere Falls, Mourea and from Okawa Bay Road to Rotokawa Road area.
• Building a new 3.5km shared path between Ōkere Falls and Mourea Bridge and four pedestrian islands, so people can safely cross the road.
• Major road surface rehabilitation along SH33.

We appreciate the safety improvements are taking longer than expected but we’re pleased with the standard of the work and the benefits they will bring.

At the moment the team are working in the final section, near the Sun Valley Curves passing lane, widening the shoulders and installing barriers to protect against roadside hazards.

This project is now scheduled for completion early 2023.

nzta.govt.nz/tnj2p

New shared path alongside SH33

Ōkere Falls to Mourea Bridge lakeside pathway

The shared path between Ōkere Falls and Hamurana Road is just about finished with four pedestrian islands now in place, and some sealing, kerbing, fencing and signs left to go.

We also secured additional funding to extend the path to the Mourea Bridge, which is great news. The contractor Downer will continue working to complete this section, which is now underway.

The 3.5km shared path from Ōkere Falls to Mourea Bridge is expected to be completed in July – but it is winter, and this work is weather dependant. We’ll keep you posted on developments.

Shared path map

Eastside Rotorua

Major works to support growing Eastside to get underway

People living and visiting Eastside Rotorua can look forward to more options on how they move around with the next stage of transport upgrades to SH30/Te Ngae Road about to start.

The SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two project will advance the improvements people experience in Stage One between Sala Street and Iles Road. A priority is to make it easier and safer for people to travel by bus or walk and cycle and to reduce the need for people to travel in their cars – to give people choices. This is an important project for the Eastside community and a significant investment in the district which will help to address growth, as well as existing safety, access and congestion issues.

Works are set to start to improve the next section of SH30/Te Ngae Road between Iles and Basley roads from mid-June.

In the first months, you’ll see excavations and road widening works taking place. Our team will first work in the berm and footpath to relocate services and underground existing overhead power lines.

Traffic management will be in place with the aim to minimise delays during peak hours. A 50km/h temporary speed limit applies, lanes will remain open in both directions, and access for people walking and cycling will be provided.

Find out more about the upgrade at nzta.govt.nz/eastern-corridor-stage2