SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki

Project update - February 2026

20 February 2026

The Matekerepu Roundabout - almost finished!

SH2 Wainui Road to Opōtiki project update

Welcome to our February newsletter where you’ll find the latest information about work happening on State Highway 2 (SH2) as part of the Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project.

Final works happening on the roundabout

What’s been happening at Matekerepu

The Matekerepu Roundabout is nearing completion and is now fully open to traffic.

The crew has one final task remaining: laying the last layer of asphalt. This finishing layer will seal the road surface and provide added protection against long-term wear and tear. Once timing for this work is confirmed, we'll share further details with you.

Asphalt is the preferred road‑building material in New Zealand for several reasons. Its flexibility makes it ideal for withstanding the seismic activity our country frequently experiences. It's also durable, quick to install (reducing disruption for road users) and provides a smoother, quieter ride compared to alternative materials.

To support ongoing traffic management in the area, 3 permanent Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) will be installed. This will display helpful updates such as traffic conditions, alerts and journey and event information.

We're just about finished at this site and it's great to see the roundabout making this intersection so much safer.

The next phase of work at Matekerepu Roundabout includes applying hay mulch to stabilise the final section of topsoil. At this stage, no traffic disruptions are expected, although a temporary 50km/h speed limit remains in place for safety.

New site access from SH2

Final stage of SH2 safety improvements underway

In early January 2026, establishing works began on the final stage of this important safety improvements project.

This phase includes upgrades at the SH2/Waiōtahe Valley Back Road and SH2/Ōhiwa Beach Road intersections, featuring the construction of 2 teardrop‑shaped roundabouts on either side of the Waiōtahe River Bridge.

Establishing works are an important part of construction, helping set up the site, and the project, for smooth delivery. At the SH2/Waiōtahe Valley Back Road intersection, these works have included clearing the site and installing temporary silt fences. The site office has now been relocated from the nearly completed Matekerepu Roundabout project, and new site entrances have been established.

The next phase of work for the teardrop roundabouts at SH2/Ōhiwa Beach Road and SH2/Waiōtahe Valley Back Road involves removing the existing road seal and excavating a 300‑metre section west of the bridge.

Off the state highway, crews are continuing with earthworks, including stripping topsoil, laying cloth and grid, installing settlement pins to monitor ground movement, and bringing in metal to begin shaping the new roundabouts.

During this phase, stop/go traffic management is in place from 6am to 7pm and will continue through to the end of February. A shoulder closure is in place on SH2, along with a temporary 30km/h speed limit.

Please take extra care through our worksite

We've noticed an increase in traffic as convoy vehicles arrive from Gisborne. Please plan ahead and allow extra time, the road surface is uneven.

Stick to the temporary speed limit and follow all instructions from our traffic management team. They’re out on the road every day keeping everyone safe, and they rely on drivers slowing down, staying alert, and giving them plenty of space.

Every reduced speed sign, line of cones, and stop/go instruction is there to protect both you and our crew. Your patience and caution make a real difference, they help us get the work done efficiently and ensure everyone, including our workers, gets home safely.

Intersection improvements are now underway for the SH2/Waiōtahe Valley Back Road (top) and SH2/Ōhiwa Beach Road (bottom).

How we're making it safer

The teardrop design will enhance safety by removing the need for right turns across SH2, in a high speed environment. Instead, vehicles entering SH2 will turn left and use the roundabout to safely change direction.

Illustration of the 2 teardrop‑shaped roundabouts on either side of the Waiōtahe Bridge

Debris clearing (top left) and spider excavator (bottom left) at Goldsmith slip site. Tuesday's slip blocking SH2 (right)

SH2 Waioweka Gorge update

Early Tuesday morning, another slip blocked SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge, near the Waioweka Monument.

Crews worked hard to clear the new slip and installed concrete barriers. The barriers are positioned close to the centreline to create a ‘catch zone’ for any further debris. This brings the site down to a single lane however will not create any additional delay.

Essential travel only

Convoys are running through SH2 Waioweka Gorge to keep essential travel and freight moving while we work on the Goldsmiths slip site.

SH2 through the Gorge is still a fragile worksite. Each time a convoy passes through, recovery work must pause to keep everyone safe.

Longer convoys give us less time to work, which slows down progress at the slip site.

Carefully consider whether your trip is essential before joining a convoy.

Daily convoy schedule:

Gisborne bound:

• Start point: Goldsmith Reserve
• Departing at: 7.00am, 11.00am, 5.00pm

Ōpōtiki bound:

• Start point: Matawai (Te Wera Road intersection)
• Departing at: 9.00am, 1.00pm, 7.00pm

Decisions to cancel planned convoys are not made lightly, as we know how critical this route is for communities and freight. However, the safety of our crews and everyone using this road remains our top priority.

People should only travel if essential. Please be prepared for the possibility of the road closing again at short notice if weather conditions change or risk assessments require it. Slow down, be patient, and drive with care and to the conditions.

Stay up to date

SH2 Waioweka Gorge webpage

Subscribe to email updates

Locations and departure times for convoys may change with little warning. Check our latest post on NZTA – Waikato and Bay of Plenty Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you

We do our best to minimise impacts to people as they drive through our work site and want to thank the local community for their patience. We’re pleased to be delivering these important safety improvements and look forward to keeping you updated as they progress.

More information

For more information on the SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki project, visit our website nzta.govt.nz/sh2-wainui-road-to-opotiki

If you have any questions, please contact us at bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz