Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway works for October 2023 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A spate of wild weather has put the brakes on road rebuilding and resealing, as contractors have turned their attention to removing slips and ensuring a safe passage for road users across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. 

When these events happen during the road renewal season contractors ensure active worksites are left in a safe condition, and they are monitored regularly. 

“Even before the rain arrives, we have crews out on the network looking to proactively manage conditions as best possible,” explains Roger Brady, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Bay of Plenty System Manager. 

“Our partnership with MetService ensures we are aware of weather systems as they develop, and we can position crews and respond appropriately to any event. As soon as the event is over, and the roads have dried out, we’ll be back into the renewals across the region. 

“The coming weeks will see more sites being worked on, and we continue to encourage road users to plan ahead, understand what will be happening on their route, and adjust their travel accordingly. Leaving home slightly earlier could help reduce stress, ensuring you reach your destination in time.” 

The Waka Kotahi Journey Planner (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) is the best place for information on the status of the state highway network. With live updates on worksites and other road hazards, Journey Planner can help road users plot the best route to their destination. 

Bay of Plenty

Tauranga

  • Takitimu North Link Stage One: On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October stop/stop traffic management will be in place on SH2, on the southern shoulder near Loop Road, Te Puna while tree-felling takes place. Traffic will only be held when cutting, with 5-10 minute delays anticipated. This work cannot be completed at night due to safety reasons. Earthworks have commenced across a number of sites. On Wairoa Road stop/go traffic management will be in place while trucks are crossing Wairoa Road, and 30km/h speed limits will be in place at all times within the construction area. Minden Road has a 30km/h speed limit throughout the construction zone. A temporary haul road into the Te Mete Valley is being constructed to support the summer earthworks season. The single-lane haul road will be separated from SH2. Road users should be aware of the new road layout and temporary speed limit of 60km/h on SH2 alongside the haul road. More information. 
  • Cambridge Road: Construction work to complete the new Cambridge Road overbridge, between Bethlehem and Tauriko continues. Work to connect the bridge with Cambridge and Moffat roads and utility services will be completed in three phases. Phase 1 involves building a diversion road allowing traffic to flow during these works. While these works take place there will be slower speed limits in place on Cambridge Road, shoulder closures and when necessary, stop/go traffic management. 
  • Cambridge Road (East): Tauranga City Council has commenced slip repair work at Cambridge Road East near the St Andrews Drive roundabout. Cambridge Road will be one-lane only while the work is underway and drivers heading into the city will detour via St Andrews Drive, Castlewold Drive and Wakefield Drive. Drivers coming from the city can use Cambridge Road as usual. There is a 30km/h speed restriction past the work site. The slip was caused by recent weather and the repair work will involve removing the slip material and building a retaining wall to help prevent future slips. The repair is expected to be completed in mid-December, weather dependent.  
  • Totara Street: Tauranga City Council will be completing road construction on Totara Street, between Maui Street and Triton Avenue, in November. When work takes place traffic will be reduced to one lane (open for travel between Mount Maunganui and Hewletts Road). Totara Street will be closed to ALL traffic heading to Mount Maunganui from Hewletts Road, with a detour via Newton Road. More information(external link). 
  • SH2 Bay Link: People travelling between Baypark and Bayfair will continue to see changes to the road layout as well as overnight road and lane closures. To minimise impact, works are undertaken at night where possible. From Sunday 1 October to Thursday 5 October, 7pm to 6am, closures and detours around the Bayfair roundabout will be in place. More information(external link). 
  • SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (TDTR): A reduced speed limit of 80km/h is in place while contractor crews are working behind the barriers. There will be a speed reduction to 30km/h with short periods of stop/stop traffic management to allow for drilling between 9am and 3pm on both Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 October. 
  • SH2 Fifteenth Avenue: Work continues on the upgrade of the Fifteenth Avenue / SH2 / Cameron Road intersection. Work is currently underway at the northeast and northwest (SH2 and Fifteenth Avenue) corners while contractors work to complete the pram crossings and footpaths. Temporary traffic management is in place, with a left turning lane closure. Traffic can still turn into Cameron Road from the SH2 using the centre lane. More information(external link). 
  • SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR): Traffic management for the Tauranga City Council led Pāpāmoa East Interchange construction project has been removed until construction of the interchange itself commences in early 2024. More detail will be shared closer to the time. More information(external link). 
    The Quayside Properties Ltd led Rangiuru Business Park Interchange project continues. Temporary barriers have been installed on both sides of the TELTR, and these will be in place until approximately June 2024, with one lane available in either direction. A temporary speed limit of 70km/h applies through the site. More information(external link). 
  •  SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR) Shared Path: Pouring of the concrete bridge deck at the Rangiuru Business Park Interchange takes place between 9pm Sunday 8 and 2pm Monday 9 October. The shared path alongside SH2 will be closed during this time, users will be able to detour via Kaituna Road and Te Tumu Road. 

Western Bay of Plenty

  • SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa: Sharp Road and Lockington Road / Matahui Road Intersections: Lane shifts and speed reductions are in place at both intersections while roundabout construction takes place. Road layout changes will occur as works progress. There will be intermittent stop/go traffic management which may cause longer delays, although typically there will be minor delays of one to two minutes.  More information. 
  • SH2 Wairoa Cycleway:  The Tauranga City Council cycleway construction continues with work taking place both under the Wairoa bridge and in the on-road shoulder at night. The cycleway is due to be completed by late-2023. 
  • SH2 Pongakawa: Road rebuilding continues. Work is expected to be complete by late October, during this time stop/go traffic management and a westbound detour option via Pukehina Road, Old Coach Road and Pongakawa Station Road will be in place. Delays and additional travel time are expected. 
  • SH36 Omanawa: Slip repair work takes place between Taumata Road and Mangatoi Road, from Monday 2 October. Work is expected to take one week to complete, with stop/go traffic management in place between 6am and 6pm each day. Minor delays are expected. 

Rotorua

  • SH5 Utuhina Bridge: Resilience work on the Utuhina bridge began on Monday 25 September. A road closure between Sunset Road and Pukuatua Street will be in place for approximately three weeks. Local detours will be in place, however HPMV will need to use SH5, SH1 and SH30 via Ātiamuri.  More information. 
  • SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage One: Road resurfacing commences Sunday 1 October on SH30 / Te Ngae Road between Sala Street and Tarawera Road. Work will take place between 8pm and 5am each night, for four nights (weather permitting). Traffic management will be in place with one lane of traffic maintained in each direction, with alternating lane shifts. Additionally, access via SH30 Sala Street will be closed, with a detour via Fenton Street. 
  • SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two: There are multiple active worksites on SH30 / Te Ngae Road between Iles Road and Ōwhata Road. In places there is stop/go, lane shifts and shoulder closures, temporary pedestrian crossings, footpath closures, and/or reduced speed limits. Minor traffic delays are expected. Access for local residents and businesses will be maintained at all times.  More information. 
  • SH30 Rotorua Airport: Road rebuilding between Rotorua Airport and 875 Te Ngae Road continues through to mid-October. Temporary traffic management will be in place, and there will be one lane available in each direction at all times to minimise disruption. These works are weather dependent, so may need to be postponed, delayed, and/or extended beyond the expected completion date. Significant disruption is expected at peak travel times. 
  • SH30/SH33 Te Ngae Junction: The majority of the construction activity is now complete on the new roundabout. Temporary speed limits remain in place until final surfacing in October.  More information. 
  • SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa: Work on the SH33 safety improvements project continues with work between Allport Road and Mourea. Temporary traffic management will be in place including stop/go, lane shifts and shoulder closures while these works are underway. Minor traffic delays are expected.  More information(external link). 

Eastern Bay of Plenty

  • SH2 Edgecumbe: Road rehabilitation continues near the Omeheu Canal. Traffic management will be in place, including single direction closures until mid-October, followed by a full road closure from mid-October until mid-November, 9am to 3:30pm each day. Work is expected to be complete by late November. 
  • SH34 Otakiri: Asphalt resurfacing takes place at the intersection of Otakiri Road from Monday 2 October for three days. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 7am and 6pm each day. During work hours access from Otakiri Road will be restricted, with access unavailable on the side of the road being resurfaced. 
  • SH2 Waimana Gorge Chipseal: Road resealing takes place between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki, with work taking place under stop/go traffic management between the hours of 6am and 8pm each weekday. This work is weather dependent. Minor delays are expected when sealing is taking place. 
  • SH2 Wainui to Ōpōtiki: Safety improvements between Parkinsons Road and Woodlands Road near Ōpōtiki continue. This work is expected to be complete in late 2023 (weather dependent). Works consists of shoulder widening and the installation of safety barriers. During this time road users can expect to see shoulder closures and/or stop/go operations in place, as required. Works will take place between 7am and 5pm each weekday. Please allow extra time for your journey as delays up to 10 minutes may be experienced.  
  • SH2 Manganuku Bridge, Waioeka Gorge: Investigations are ongoing for the most effective way of repairing the bridge. The reduced speed limit of 30km/h for heavy vehicles will remain in place until further notice. Heavy vehicles must adhere to the speed limit as those travelling at higher speeds will exert greater loads on the structure, which currently poses a significant risk. 
  • SH2 Waioeka Gorge Chipseal: Road resealing takes place between Ōpōtiki and Matawai from Wednesday 18 October, Monday to Friday each week. For the first two weeks road closures will be in place between 7am and 5pm, with 20-minute opening periods at 9am, midday and 2pm. Following the closures there will be approximately a week where stop/go and/or stop/stop traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place while work continues. 

Tairāwhiti Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay

  • SH2 Waioeka Gorge: The asphalt resurfacing programmes continues, with road closures taking place between the hours of 7pm and 5am, when the weather is fine.  
    Foam bitumen stabilisation work is also ongoing. This work takes place during the day with stop/go traffic management in place. 
  • SH5 Napier – Taupō: Progress continues at a number of slip sites at the Hawke’s Bay end of SH5. Stop/go traffic management is in place at various sites, along with temporary speed limits. 

Manawatū-Whanganui

  • SH1 Taihape north: Road rebuild commences at a section of State Highway 1 / Mataroa Road just north of Taihape on Monday 2 October. Night works will be in place between 6pm and 6am daily for seven weeks (weather permitting) between Goldfinch Street to just past Abattoir Road. Works are expected to be complete by mid-November. During works, SH1 will be reduced to one lane under stop/go, with a reduced speed limit in place. Delays of up to 10 minutes are expected. 
  • SH1 Utiku: A ‘slow slip’ has resulted in cracking between Micklesons Road and Utiku South Road. A 30km/h temporary speed limit is in place through the area, along with a temporary re-alignment and narrowing of traffic lanes. 
  • SH4 Te Oreore slip: Following a slip in 2019, a temporary road is in place at Te Oreore, with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. Construction of three new retaining walls north of the main slip area are ongoing.  
  •  SH4 Auraki Streat road retreat: A 30km/h temporary speed restriction remains in place at Auraki Stream road retreat project site. Vehicles are now able to utilise the new section of road, the project is expected to be completed in October. 

Waikato 

East Waikato

  • SH25: Recovery works are underway at a number of sites, with temporary traffic management and reduced speed limits in place where required. More information. 
  • SH25A Kōpū-Hikuai: A section of road near the summit has collapsed, and the road is impassable. Detour via SH26, SH2, SH25 via the Karangahake Gorge, or SH25 via Coromandel Town. Work to construct a bridge over the slip area is underway, and the bridge is expected to be open in March 2024. Additional works are taking place across SH25A while the road is closed. More information.
  • SH26 Morrinsville: Road repair work continues at multiple locations over several weeks. Work will take place Sunday to Thursday nights, between 8pm and 5am each night. This work will require road users to use short detours.  
  • SH26 Chipseal: Road resealing continues between Motumaoho and Morrinsville, with work taking place under stop/go traffic management between 6am and 8pm each weekday. This work is weather dependent. Minor delays are expected when sealing is taking place. 

Central Waikato

  • SH1 Ātiamuri: Side and median barriers have been installed on a 4.5km stretch of highway south of Ātiamuri. Some speed restrictions will be in place until finishing works and final surfacing are completed in warmer weather. Establishment works are underway for a 6.9km section nearby from the Waikato River bridge, past Ātiamuri Village to Thorpe Road. More information. 
  • SH1 Lichfield: The northbound slow lane near Puriri Road is closed until further notice, while investigations take place into repair options. 
  • SH1 Ātiamuri to Wairakei: Enabling works for road rebuilding will commence on Monday 2 October, at the first of three sites on this corridor. The rebuild of the first site will commence on Monday 9 October, taking approximately two weeks to complete. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place at all active worksites. Delays are to be expected. 
  • SH5 Mamaku: Road rebuilding commences Monday 16 October on a 560m section within the Mamaku Range. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 6pm each day, Monday to Friday. Work is expected to be complete by late November. 
  • SH41 Tokaanu: Due to a washout, the road is down to one lane under temporary traffic lights, with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place. 

West Waikato

  • SH1 Waikato Expressway – Ngāruawāhia Section: Safety improvements and remedial works require the closure of a single lane in each direction with a 50km/h temporary speed limit, until completion in May 2024. Night closures and detours are required northbound between Sunday 8 and Thursday 12 October. More information. 
  • SH1C Mangaharakeke Drive: Road resurfacing takes place from Sunday 8 October for approximately one week. Work will take place at night between 8pm and 6am, during this time the road will be closed, with a detour via Avalon Drive and Lincoln Street.  
  • SH1C Hillcrest: Work at the SH1C/Cambridge Road roundabout continues with at least one lane available in each direction. A temporary speed limit of 30km/h is in place at all times. Cambridge Road and Johnsview Terrace are operating as left in/left out only. Please use the SH1C/Wairere Drive interchange to access Cambridge Road and the Hillcrest shops. This work sees the intersection changed to traffic light controls, and is expected to be completed in early-October 2023. More information.  
  • SH1 Karāpiro (Gorton Road): Road rebuilding continues with pavement repair work commencing next week. This requires a daytime detour for southbound traffic via Karāpiro Road, Taotaoroa Road and SH29. Northbound traffic will remain on SH1. Overnight the detour will not be required and all traffic will remain on SH1, travelling through stop/go at the site to manage safety. Southbound heavy vehicles will be given the option of being held at the site and let through at regular intervals, or they can use the detour. Emergency services will be provided with access through the site at all times. While this closure is in place, crews are taking the opportunity to do as much other work as possible within the section, including the below work at Keeley’s Reserve and work for PowerCo. More information. 
  • SH1 Karāpiro (Keeley’s Reserve): Construction of a turnaround bay at Keeley’s Reserve continues. The reserve will be closed for the construction period, which is expected to take up to 9 weeks, weather permitting. The speed limit near the reserve will reduce from 100km/h to 50km/h northbound and 70km/h southbound, Monday to Saturday from 7am to 6pm each day. Motorists are advised to prepare for minor delays. Once completed, the right turn out of Keeley’s Reserve onto SH1 will remain open until the turnaround at Tunakawa Road is built early next year and more flexible safety median barriers are installed, at which point the right turn out of Keeley’s Reserve will be permanently closed. More information. 
  • SH30 Te Kūiti: Due to a slip, priority give-way is in place near Mangaokewa Road, motorists are advised to proceed with caution. 
  • SH30 Kōpaki: Due to a drop out between Kōpaki Road and Ohirea Road intersection there is stop/go traffic management in place with a temporary speed limit of 30km/h. Remedial works have started and are expected to be completed by the end of October. Caution is advised when travelling through this area. 

North Waikato

  • SH1 Waikato Expressway – Rangiriri Section: Remedial works requiring various interchange ramp closures are underway. This work is expected to be complete mid-October. SH1 traffic will be managed through the site with a temporary speed restriction of 50km/h. More information. 
  • SH1 Hampton Downs: There will be a full southbound closure between Dragway Road and the Hampton Downs interchange on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 October between 9pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes. 
  • SH2 Maramarua: Stop/go traffic management will be in place on Sunday 1 October between 9pm and 5am. 

Taranaki

  • SH3 Tongapōrutu: Pavement repairs continue north of Hutiwai Road. Work is expected to be complete by mid-October (weather permitting), and the site will be managed under traffic-light stop/go controls, with delays of approximately 5-10 minutes. 
  • SH3 Te Ara Tutohu Waitara to Bell Block: Due to safety improvement works, there will be stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h speed limit in place 24/7. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.

For up to 48 hours following completion of chipseal sites, a 50km/h temporary speed limit will be in place until the road is swept and line marking reinstated. 

The above information is accurate at the time of release. Many of the above works are dependent on a number of factors, particularly weather, and may be postponed at short notice. For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz (external link)). 

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the state highway network safe, accessible and resilient. 

Posted on

Auckland overnight motorway closures 29 September – 6 October 2023

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 6 October 2023.

Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

Daily updated closure information(external link) 

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Southbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 3-4 October
  • Silverdale southbound on-ramp, 3-4 October
  • Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 1 October
  • Oteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 1 October
  • Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 1 October
  • SH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 1-2 October
  • Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 3 October
  • Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 2 October

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

  • Fanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 2 October
  • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 5 October
  • Grafton Road southbound on-ramp, 5 October

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 5 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 5 October
  • Princes Street southbound on-ramp, 5 October
  • Highbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 5 October
  • Southbound lanes between Redoubt Road off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 1-2 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Southbound lanes between Redoubt Road off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 3-4 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 1-4 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 1-4 October
  • Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 5 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 1-2 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • Takanini southbound on-ramp, 1-2 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • Papakura southbound on-ramp, 3-5 October
  • Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 1-5 October
  • Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 2-5 October
  • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 2-5 October
  • Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 4-5 October
  • Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 4-5 October
  • Te Kauwhata northbound off-ramp, 29-30 Sep & 1-6 October (24/7)
  • Te Kauwhata northbound on-ramp, 29-30 Sep & 1-6 October (24/7)

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • Southbound lanes between Muriwai Road and Foster Road, 2-5 October
  • Northbound lanes between Foster Road and Muriwai Road, 2-5 October
  • Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 1 October
  • Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 1 October
  • Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road Roundabout, 4 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 4 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • Southbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off-ramp and Rosebank Road on-ramp, 1-2 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Te Atatu Road southbound on-ramp, 1-2 October

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • Caribbean Drive westbound on-ramp, 2 October
  • Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Albany Highway on-ramp, 1 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Greenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp, 1 October
  • Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 1 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 1 October
  • Eastbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 4 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • Brigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 4 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • Trig Road eastbound on-ramp, 4 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • Hobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 4 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Southbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 2-3 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 2-3 October
  • Queenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 2-3 October
  • Southbound lanes between SH20 Links and Landing Drive, 2 October
  • SH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 2 October
  • SH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 2 October
  • Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 1-4 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 1-4 October
  • SH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 1-4 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 1-4 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • Northbound lanes between Landing Drive and SH20 link, 3 October
  • SH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 3 October
  • Kirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 3 October
  • Kirkbride Road southbound on-ramp, 2 October
  • Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and Kirkbride Road on-ramp, 4 October

PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

None planned.

STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

None planned.

STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

None planned.

Please follow the signposted detours. Waka Kotahi thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Current overnight closure information(external link)

Auckland roads and public transport(external link)

Posted on

Decarbonised bus fleets accelerated for a healthier Aotearoa

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Three Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) will receive financial support to assist in the decarbonisation of their bus fleets to help create a healthier future for communities across the country.

Greater Wellington Regional Council, Taranaki Regional Council, and Environment Canterbury will receive funding from the first round of a $136m contestable fund which aims to support Public Transport Authorities to meet the costs of initiatives to accelerate the decarbonisation of the public transport bus fleet, such as bringing forward the introduction of zero emission buses and investing in supporting depot infrastructure.

“Effective, safe and reliable public transport is a cornerstone of a well-functioning transport system and plays a vital role in helping reduce emissions and better connecting our communities. A healthier transport system will mean a healthier and safer future for everyone across the motu,” says Deborah Hume, National Manager Multimodal Integration.

“Decarbonising Aotearoa’s bus fleet is a vital part of the system-wide move to building a more resilient New Zealand, which will help us reach our emissions targets, but also improve air quality and amenity in our towns and cities. Transitioning the public transport bus fleet from diesel-fuelled to zero emission vehicles will contribute to the transport sector’s emission reduction targets.”

Waka Kotahi has been actively engaging with the sector to understand the bus decarbonisation challenges and to design the contestable fund. PTAs submitted applications for funding in June 2023, and Waka Kotahi has been assessing and finalising applications with PTAs over the last three months.

As part of the bus decarbonisation contestable fund, Greater Wellington Regional Council will receive $10.8 million of funding to invest in depot and charging infrastructure that will enable the expansion of Wellington’s electric bus fleet earlier than otherwise possible; Taranaki Regional Council will receive $308,000 to help fund the procurement of the first electric bus in the Taranaki region; and Environment Canterbury will receive $6.1 million to bring forward the expansion of its electric bus fleet. Other initiatives as part of the $136m contestable fund will be announced in the coming months.

In January 2021, the Government announced it will require only zero-emission public transport buses to be purchased from 2025 and target the complete decarbonisation of the public transport bus fleet by 2035. Through Budget 2022, the Government agreed to provide $136.95 million over 12 years to support decarbonisation of the public transport bus fleet. The first four years’ funding of $40.65m is being funded from the Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF), with the balance to be funded from general Crown revenue through a series of funding rounds to be held over the 12-year duration of the budget allocation. The balance of the budget allocation will be used to fund a number of technical studies to increase knowledge across the public transport sector on the most effective approaches to decarbonising bus fleets.

The bus decarbonisation programme of work is part of the Waka Kotahi Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) programme, which aims to provide growing communities with increased transport options, improved health and social outcomes, and contribute to a healthier future for us all, while supporting our response to climate change by transitioning Aotearoa to a low-emission and climate resilient future.

Posted on

New tool revolutionising drought forecasts

Source: NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

A newly launched tool developed by NIWA and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to predict dryness and drought will help farmers and growers be better prepared for challenging weather conditions.

Using the latest in artificial intelligence and long-range weather modelling, the free tool provides week-to-week predictions of rainfall, dryness, and potential drought 35 days into the future.

The outlook updates daily, capturing the latest changes in the climate system. It also offers long-term forecasts at a much higher spatial resolution than previously available.

Intro video about NIWA and MPI drought forecasting tool

The launch of the tool comes after official confirmation that the El Niño weather pattern has developed in the Pacific. El Niño events typically come with an increased risk for abnormally dry conditions across many regions of New Zealand, particularly in the north and east.

NIWA meteorologist, Ben Noll, said the new tool is already making a big difference.

 “This tool enables us to give more frequent and district-level predictions of rainfall, dryness, and drought. Providing advanced warning of future dry spells will be invaluable,” said Noll.

MPI’s director of Rural Communities and Farming Support, Nick Story, said the new software programme will be invaluable.

“The tool has been tailored for the primary sector and we’ve collaborated with farmers and growers over the last three years to ensure it provides useable information. Farmers and growers can utilise this tool to prepare in advance for drier than normal weather and the impacts this might have on production, pasture growth, and animal welfare,” said Story.

 Maniototo farmer and Irrigation NZ director, Emma Crutchley, said that any forecast, short or long-term, is good.

“What we find is if we can get a more accurate medium-term forecast, then that enables us to respond rather than working off a short-term forecast where you’re making reactive decisions all the time. Having as much information as we can around an uncontrollable thing, which is the weather, is really helpful to resilience in the farming business,” said Crutchley.

The drought forecasting tool is underpinned by the NIWA35 platform, combining a 35-day, global forecast model from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA) with data-driven techniques to improve the model’s predictive capacity on a local level across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The tool is a companion to the NZ Drought Index (NZDI), an observational tool launched with MPI in 2017 that measures the current state of dryness and drought. Its users include much of the primary sector, as well as government and industry bodies.

Ben Noll said a lot of work has gone into making sure that the data is available in a way that works for those who need the tool.

“With climate change, the leading cause of increase in drought risk is the temperature-driven increase in atmospheric water demand. This leads to drier soil conditions, water stress for vegetation, and low hydrological flows. Having this new tool on our belt will hopefully help the country be more prepared for and resilient to potential droughts, both now and in the future,” said Ben.

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National’s fiscal plan continues attack on low income households

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

National has finally released its fiscal plan after much delay and it reveals a plan to cut the incomes and essential public services the poorest New Zealanders rely on, just so they can pay for tax cuts for landlords and the well-off, says NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“Cutting $2 billion from benefits during a cost-of-living crisis is cruel. These are the New Zealanders who can least afford a cut and who get $2 a week if they’re lucky from National’s tax cuts, and they would lose $40 a week in benefit cuts. On top of that, National would be putting up the price of public transport and prescription drugs.

“This doesn’t just affect workers who are out of a job, it also targets disabled New Zealanders and people with chronic illnesses. Why is National attacking these Kiwis who have the least?

“Additionally, National has confirmed that it plans to strip billions out of public services that are already under huge strain with current resources. The scale of the cuts that will be required to fund National’s fiscal plan will be felt deeply whether it’s at our borders, in our justice system, protecting our environment, or in numerous other areas of public sector activity.

“National’s claims that they can save billions by firing a few comms staff (who do vital working informing and consulting with the public) is pure fiction,” said Wagstaff.

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Auckland Council secures land to expand iconic Auckland Botanic Gardens

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has purchased 1.6 hectares (4 acres) of land on Hill Road in Manurewa to extend the iconic Auckland Botanic Gardens and protect access to this treasured park.

Mayor Wayne Brown says a large land acquisition is a difficult decision to make at a time of significant budget constraints, but the benefit for future generations and open space provision in a fast-growing part of the region weighed heavily in favour of the purchase.

“We have made a decision that will protect one of the region’s most treasured assets and provide both guaranteed access and greater protection to the Gardens. We had to act now to protect it from inappropriate development, or this opportunity would have been lost forever.”

The council has paid $12.37m for the property. Excluding GST, this will see $10.76m funded by debt.

“We don’t have funds sitting in reserve for open space purposes, so the choice to debt-fund this acquisition is based on spreading the cost of a strategic capital investment across the generations that will use it,” says the Mayor.

Only natural – our long relationship with the Nathan Estate

The first and largest block of land acquired for the Auckland Botanic Gardens was purchased by the Auckland Regional Authority from the Nathan Estate in 1967 beginning a long association between the Gardens and the Nathan family.

“Our father’s generation chose to make their family farm available as a botanic garden for Auckland, instead of subdividing it.

“As neighbours, we have remained passionate supporters of the Gardens and are thrilled that we can continue to be part of the Auckland Botanic Gardens history and to see the Gardens grow.

“We think Jack Hobbs and his team has done a wonderful job and look forward to seeing how they integrate this property into the Gardens for everyone to enjoy,” says a Nathan family representative.

The Pōhutukawa Walk leads visitors up to the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre

Realising masterplan an opportunity too good to pass up

Planning, Environment and Parks Committee Chair Cr Richard Hills says this land acquisition offers room for growth and a future opportunity to develop themed gardens in alignment with the Auckland Botanic Gardens Masterplan. 

“Ethnobotanical gardens are one of the masterplan’s elements and it’s exciting to think that this space could offer the opportunity to include Māori and Pasifika traditional gardens that provide educational, ecological and cultural experiences for visitors and future generations. 

“Alongside meeting our core purpose of a being a spectacular south pacific botanic garden, there’s also a practical element that scored highly when assessing whether to buy this land. 

“The ever-increasing popularity of the Gardens draws more and more visitors each year, putting pressure on busy Hill Road and creating traffic safety and management challenges. 

“Being able to extend the Gardens’ frontage further along Hill Road has the potential to address current traffic management issues when budget allows,” he says. 

Auckland Botanic Gardens opened in 1982 and now welcomes around one million visitors each year

With a little help from our Friends

The Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens has congratulated the council on acquiring this strategically important property.  

Friends President Viv Canham says the property will ultimately add so much value to the experience of the Gardens’ one million-plus annual visitors.

“Its elevated north-facing aspect and roadside location opens up exciting possibilities, and the Friends look forward to actively supporting its development,” says Mrs Canham.

Auckland Council’s representative on the Friends’ executive, Councillor Christine Fletcher, says the Gardens is a particularly important piece of the heart of south Auckland and, had this opportunity been lost to development, it would have been lost forever.

“The Gardens carries all the hallmarks and values of the regional parks network, whose founders were referred to as ‘dreamers of the day’ for their foresight in securing such valuable land as open space for generations of Aucklanders to enjoy. It is heartwarming to think that we have been able to add to that legacy.”

Cr Fletcher also acknowledges the incredible partnership that the Friends has with the council.

“Through its membership, support and fundraising, the Friends continue to add value to the Gardens and have signalled their ongoing commitment to ensure operating costs can be minimised as we bring this land into the Gardens’ footprint,” says Cr Fletcher.

  • Auckland Council has confirmed an unconditional purchase of the 1.6187 hectare (4 acre) site adjacent to the Auckland Botanic Gardens at 120 Hill Road in Manurewa, at a cost of $12,377,299 (including GST). Settlement is scheduled for the end of October 2023.
  • Funding for any future development would need to be considered in the outer years of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034, including consideration of partnership and external funding.
  • In the interim, the expected immediate operational expenditure for maintenance of the site will be met from existing Auckland Botanic Gardens operating budget and staff resource.
  • The future use of the land will be held as a regional park and be protected in perpetuity under the Local Government Act 2002. This means that the land will be held in public ownership for natural, cultural, ecological, botanical and recreational purposes, and is protected from disposal.

Auckland Botanic Gardens gets around one million visitors annually. Visitation peaked at 1,142,057 in 2019/20 when it hosted Sculpture in the Gardens and has almost doubled since 2004/05 – due to the opening of the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre.

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Aucklanders strongly support city’s future growth strategy

Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders have backed Auckland Council’s draft strategy for how the city should grow over the next 30 years with more than 10,000 giving feedback.

The Future Development Strategy is the council’s 30-year plan to make sure homes, jobs and infrastructure are built in the right places, at the right time, to accommodate an expected half a million more people. It also addresses protecting our environment and building resilience to natural hazards and climate change while making the best use of limited funding for infrastructure.

Public consultation ran from 6 June – 31 July and results released today come from responses from 8,552 Aucklanders, 256 organisations including many developers and 1,275 pro-forma campaigns.

Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, Councillor Richard Hills says public feedback results show 66 per cent of individual responses support focusing growth in existing urban areas, with other proposals gaining even stronger support.

“For cities to grow successfully, there has got to be a clear, agreed plan for our city’s growth. This is where the Future Development Strategy comes into play.

“We asked Aucklanders to tell us if we had got this right and their responses show they strongly support our overall approach for planning our city’s future growth.

“People have said they support more homes close to amenities, transport, and jobs, shops, and schools. They want more efficient public transport, reduced emissions, and infrastructure that supports housing with amenities and facilities like parks, education and healthcare delivered at the same time to improve people’s quality of life.

“The proposals have also received overwhelming support from the council’s local boards, with 20 of the 21 boards backing the strategy’s direction,” says Councillor Hills.  

You can read the summary feedback report at: akhaveyoursay.nz/futureauckland

“At the heart of this strategy is making sure we are future proofing our city for generations to come,” says Auckland Council’s General Manager of Auckland Plan, Strategy and Research, Jacques Victor.

“The council’s core approach to managing growth over the past decade, with most growth occurring in existing urban areas, remains mostly the same through this revised strategy.

“However, there are two significant changes. A stronger focus on responding to climate change, particularly flooding hazards and protecting people and property, and a greater recognition of the council’s financial challenges, and when it can invest in infrastructure and services, especially in greenfield areas.

“Overall, a strong theme from all feedback was the need for investment and improvements in infrastructure to support growth in existing urban areas. We’ve listened to all Aucklanders, and what they’ve told us is being taken into account in the Future Development Strategy for our elected members to consider,” he says.

“The Future Development Strategy strikes a balance between both growing outwards at the edges of the city and having new homes closer to centres in existing urban areas. It stages the outwards growth in a way that provides the enabling infrastructure needed to support communities so that, for example, so we don’t end up with new housing developments which don’t have services or facilities, like public transport.

“We can’t afford to build infrastructure everywhere at the same time, which means prioritising infrastructure in areas where growth is occurring, and where the most people can benefit from that investment. But the strategy also recognises that, at times, this infrastructure can be provided by developers or through other funding mechanisms, at no cost to council and ratepayers,” says Mr Victor.

 Focusing growth in existing urban areas

 The highest level of feedback, with 8,878 responses, was about focusing most of the city’s future housing and business growth within existing urban areas.

The vast majority of responses (8,439) came from individuals, with 66 percent supporting this approach. Reasons included that this would make public transport more viable and efficient, protect rural areas and highly productive food growing land, and that it’s better for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving well-being and quality of life.

Additionally, it was supported as the most cost-effective approach for growth, allowing for the use of exsisting infrastructure already in place, with concerns raised about the cost of building and maintaining new infrastructure at the city’s edges.

 Accessible local centres

Focusing development near local centres where people can easily access jobs, shops, schools, and social activities by walking, cycling and public transport received 74 per cent support from 8,439 individuals. Supporting comments mentioned potential benefits, such as improving health and wellbeing, and better environmental outcomes from people getting around more easily and travelling shorter distances.

Having accessible local centres would also encourage and support more local businesses and employment and foster more connected and vibrant communities.

 Avoiding areas with hazards

An overwhelming 80 percent of individual responses agreed with the proposal to avoid further growth in areas exposed to significant natural hazards, like flooding, where development may not be appropriate, while 13 percent disagreed.

Among the 5,674 individuals supporting this approach, the most common reasons were protecting people and property and avoiding the monetary costs in making these areas safe to live in.

Prioritising resilient infrastructure

The proposal to prioritise investment in more nature-based infrastructure that responds to the impacts of climate change, such as rain gardens, swales, and detention basins, received 74 percent support from 5,270 individuals, with 14 percent not supporting it.

Supporters felt that this would improve the wellbeing of communities, climate resilience and be better for the environment.

 What happens next?

Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment, and Parks Committee will consider any changes resulting from the public feedback and adopting the final Future Development Strategy at its 5 October meeting.

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New national direction provides clarity for development and the environment

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has taken an important step in implementing the new resource management system, by issuing a draft National Planning Framework (NPF) document under the new legislation, Environment Minister David Parker said today.

“The NPF consolidates existing national direction, bringing together around 20 existing instruments including policy statements, standards, and other regulations.

“Importantly, the NPF includes a new chapter on infrastructure. This major piece of work was led by the Infrastructure Commission. It includes the creation of standards for activities like sediment control, and it enables more permitted activities, leading to fewer costly consents.

“Preparing the NPF has been a major piece of work. I thank all those involved in doing it, including the Infrastructure Commission.

“This first, or transitional, NPF will particularly focus on supporting development of the new regional spatial strategies.

“Local government is the key implementer of the NPF. There are also obligations under Treaty settlements, agreed by successive governments, that need to be carried forward from under the Resource Management Act. Accordingly, I have now released a draft NPF for initial engagement with local government and Māori groups.

“The draft NPF will then form the basis of a public consultation in early 2024, led by an independent board of inquiry to be chaired by former Chief Environment Court Judge Laurie Newhook.

“There would be no obligation on an incoming government to continue the board of inquiry process if it repeals the Natural and Built Environment Act and reverts to the RMA, which National criticised for many years.”

David Parker said the Government is also acting on another requirement of the new legislation, by initiating the establishment of a Freshwater Working Group to provide a report on water allocation issues.

“This responds to the Crown’s obligation to address water allocation, and is consistent with undertakings given to the Supreme Court a decade ago, before the current government took office.

“The working group is required by law to report back by 31 October 2024 – this is a tight deadline, so work needs to get under way.

“Again, an incoming government could reverse this work by changing the law,” David Parker said.

The draft NPF is here.

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Government shows further commitment to pay equity for healthcare workers

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government welcomes the proposed pay equity settlement that will see significant pay increases for around 18,000 Te Whatu Ora Allied, Scientific, and Technical employees, if accepted said Health Minister Ayesha Verrall.

The proposal reached between Te Whatu Ora, the New Zealand Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi (PSA) and the Association of Professional and Executive Employees (APEX), now sits with employees for consideration.

“This is another example of our commitment to tackling pay inequity and follows recent pay equity milestones reached for our midwifery and nursing workforces,” said Ayesha Verrall.

“Our Allied, Scientific, and Technical workforce is an integral part of our health system and includes professions such Anaesthetic Technician, physiotherapists, laboratory scientists and social workers.

They are expert practitioners across a range of professions including direct care, diagnostic procedures, and making sure safety of care is assured.

Many of these occupations have been undervalued for too long, and I’m delighted that this proposal is the opportunity to put things right.

If the proposed settlement is accepted, it will mean salary increases of approximately 20% for most of the workforce, an interim pay adjustment back dated to 30 November 2022, and a lump sum payment of up to $10,000.

“Addressing historical pay inequities across the health sector is a key priority for this Government, and I am extremely proud of the progress achieved in the last year,” said Ayesha Verrall. 

This is the third pay equity settlement reached since the beginning of the year and there is the potential that one further will be reached over the next fortnight.

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‘Show us the numbers’ on port privatisation

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union says the Mayor of Auckland should “show us the numbers” about Auckland’s finances before pushing port privatisation as the easy answer to its problems.

The Maritime Union was responding to claims by the Mayor reported in the media last week about the need for service cuts and asset sales as a solution to rising rates. 

Maritime Union Auckland Branch Local 13 Secretary Russell Mayn says Auckland ratepayers are aware of pressures on City finances, but want to see some hard evidence as to how privatisation is a solution.

“At the moment it seems largely to be doom and gloom tactics to try and generate a panic and justify an existing agenda.”

He says that selling profitable strategic assets comes with substantial costs of its own.

Mr Mayn says a report commissioned by the Union showed how port privatisation in Australia had led to major increases in port charges as private owners sought to recoup their investment.

These charges would be passed onto businesses and consumers, he says.

Mr Mayn says the Port of Auckland is making good returns and has a very positive future with its current ownership model.

“Privatisation of assets would lead to Aucklanders losing the family silver, and then facing increased costs through profit gouging at a private port.”

Mr Mayn says it makes no sense to be talking about major waterfront beautification projects on port land while at the same time claiming that the City was broke.

“The Maritime Union understands the pressures on Auckland’s finances, but selling off the prime assets of the City for a one-off sugar hit does not address the long term issues and would lead to all sorts of consequences.”

He says one immediate cost saving would be cancelling overseas consultants being paid hefty fees to build the privatisation case.