SH30 Awakeri to Whakatāne network improvements project

Funding update

20 December 2024

Funding decision has been made

There is a funding update on the Speed & Infrastructure Programme project that was proposed on State Highway 30 between Awakeri and Whakatāne.

Improving road safety is a top priority for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and how we invest in road safety is changing.

The 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) is NZTA's response and commitment to GPS 2024. The NLTP determines where funding is prioritised across the state highway network across all investments – programmes and projects.

The 2024-27 NLTP, released in September, prioritises NZTA investment in road safety by encouraging safer driving behaviour, promoting safer vehicles and building safer infrastructure, so people can travel safely and efficiently.

Our focus is on delivering safe roading infrastructure via the Roads of National Significance and Roads of Regional Significance, providing enhanced maintenance and highway resilience as well as increased support for NZ Police enforcement. Some funding is available for safety improvements at the highest-risk locations.

How speed limits are managed in New Zealand is also changing. NZTA will be supporting a targeted approach to highway speed management focused on safe and efficient travel and supporting NZ Police to meet speed-related enforcement targets.

This means several state highway safety improvements projects at various stages in planning have been reprioritised to meet investment objectives and available funding.

The outcome of this is that the safety improvement project on State Highway 30 between Awakeri and Whakatāne has been reprioritised and will no longer progress through to construction. Any design and planning work already completed will be kept in case of future reassessment.

We sincerely thank everyone who has been involved in these projects, who provided valuable insight and feedback during planning stages. NZTA plans for the long-term and we value ongoing conversations with our transport partners, stakeholders, and the community.

On behalf of the entire project team, have a safe, happy and relaxing holiday season.

Wherever you’re headed this summer, you can plan your trip using on our Journey Planner website. You’ll get the latest information about travel times, and any delays, roadworks or road closures.

More information

For more information on the SH30 Awakeri to Whakatāne safety improvements, visit our project website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh30A2W

Or contact us at bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz

Call our 24/7 freephone number to get the latest state highway travel information. You can also use this freephone number to report issues impacting travel on our state highways:
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)