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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
With the leaves falling in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts, the autumn rockfall scaling programme at the Nevis Bluff, on SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown, will get underway shortly, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The rock scaling occurs every autumn and spring with abseilers, suspended on ropes, inspecting the rocky face and removing loosened rocks that are hazardous to highway users many metres below.
Sensor installation on Arch Column, part of the Nevis Bluff, spring of 2024.
Wayo Carson, one of the most experienced rock scalers working on the Nevis Bluff, doing an extensometer measurement in 2021 (An extensometer provides an accurate measuring tape in millimetres to 4 decimal places).
“People should be ready for delays up to about ten minutes and allow some extra travel time for journeys between Cromwell and Queenstown,” says Peter Standring, NZTA Maintenance and Contract Manager in Central Otago.
The work is scheduled to take place over three weeks from Monday, 5 May, through to Friday, 23 May, 8 am to 5 pm weekdays, subject to weather conditions.
“We know these delays can be frustrating, but we’re asking people to be patient and to understand that they are necessary to ensure their safety, which is our number one concern,” says Mr Standring.
Abseilers working over the rocky schist faces aim to release rock, loosened by the ongoing erosion, in a controlled way when there is no traffic on the highway.
This work is part of NZTA’s ongoing monitoring and management programme for the Nevis Bluff, which is continuously monitoring movement and changes on the geologically complex bluff.
The Nevis Bluff is about half-way between Cromwell and Queenstown – 25 minutes from Cromwell, 35 minutes from Queenstown.
Work on the cycle trail, currently under construction, will be paused for a few days while the abseilers are overhead.
NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and for taking care while this important safety work is completed leading into the busy winter period.
Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 29 April 2025
Lake Marian Falls and Lake Marian Track are about 30 km from Milford Sound/Piopiotahi on the lower Hollyford Road off State Highway 94.
Lake Marian Falls’ new platform will be semi-circular and positioned to allow visitors to enjoy the dramatic waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks, away from the river’s edge.
The platform will also mark the start of the advanced Lake Marian Track, which continues past the falls up to Lake Marian/Hinepipiwai.
Lake Marian Track (advanced tramping) is closed until approximately 30 May while the platform is built. The timing of construction should be less disruptive to visitors as the track is busiest in summer.
Access along the Lake Marian Falls Track (easy walking) will be limited over the construction period. It won’t be possible to view the upper falls, but visitors can still access viewing spots over the lower rapids.
John Lucas, DOC’s Operations Manager Te Anau, says barriers will protect people while the new platform is built.
“Climbing over or around barriers to have a closer look could result in serious injury or death. For your own safety, respect the advice on signage and stay behind barriers.”
Signage is in place at both the starting footbridge of the Lake Marian Falls Track and the point at Marian Falls where the track is closed. Visit DOC’s website for updates.
Note: All visitors to Lake Marian Track should avoid walking near the creek. The rocks are slippery, and Marian Creek’s current is strong. A fall into the water could cause serious injury or death. Stay on the track. Keep children within arm’s reach and watch them carefully.
While construction is underway at Lake Marian, visitors may like to explore stunning alternative tracks in the Fiordland National Park such as Key Summit Track or Hollyford Track.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 29 April 2025
Long-term restoration efforts began at Pirongia in the early 2000s, and DOC’s Waikato team has been working with Pirongia Te Aroaro ō Kahu Restoration Society, Te Pahū Landcare, and local iwi to restore the maunga and reintroduce native species.
DOC Waikato Biodiversity Ranger Cara Hansen says the mistletoe species were historically found on the maunga, but the introduction of possums to New Zealand completely wiped the plants out.
“Possums are the main threat to mistletoe,” Cara says. “They love it, and will they’ll often devour the entire plant if they can. Controlling them is vital; this mistletoe species is only found in New Zealand, just like a massive 84% of our native plants. Species like this need our help, and it’s great to work alongside iwi and the community to protect them.”
Beginning in 2023, the translocation of pirita/mistletoe (Ileostylus micranthus and Tupeia antarctica) saw DOC staff and volunteers attach seeds to dozens of host trees at Kaniwhaniwha and Pirongia Lodge on the edge of Pirongia Forest Park. The translocation method is simple, swiping the sticky mistletoe seeds on to host trees, much like birds do when naturally spreading the seeds.
Each host tree received between 10 and 20 mistletoe seeds, which were sourced from a property near Maungatautari. Recent monitoring of 18 host trees at Kaniwhaniwha showed 53 individual mistletoe plants had germinated, and after one year they had between two and four leaves each.
“The plants can be a little slow to get going, so they’re still pretty tiny,” Cara says. “Once they germinate, they can take a while to attach successfully to the host tree, and will reach maturity in about five years. By then, they’ll have grown to the size of a basketball, and will have started producing fruit.”
“Over a 10-year period, mistletoe seed will be sown into trees around Pirongia. Sites like Kaniwhaniwha campground are great, as they have a good range of hosts and a lot of light, which really helps the mistletoe since they photosynthesize in addition to taking food and water from their host trees.”
“Even though this is a great sign, we’re not out of the woods yet,” says Cara. “Continued control of possums and rats at place is key to the project’s success, both to protect mistletoe from browsing pressure, and to increase the native bird species who act as pollinators and seed-dispersers.”
Pirongia is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme, which uses aerially applied toxins to control possums & rats. The two community groups have also contributed to the programme with extensive ground control efforts.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s has more threatened species than anywhere else in the world, with more than 4000 considered threatened or at risk of extinction. Most of these are only found here, so once they’re gone, they’ll be gone for good.
New Zealand has nine mistletoe species, and the fruit they produce is key food source for many native birds.
Host tree species for the translocation a Pirongia include mangeao, mahoe and kohūhū.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
A piece of Taranaki’s Second World War history has recently been uncovered during work on Te Ara Tūtohu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block.
Two Home Guard rifle pits were found to the north of the intersection of State Highway 3 (SH3) and De Havilland Drive in Bell Block.
It’s likely they were constructed between 1941 and 1942 as a defensive position to protect the Bell Block Aerodrome on Te Arei Road, which was being used as a Royal New Zealand Air Force training base, from a potential invasion by Japanese forces.
The Home Guard was formed in 1940 in response to the potential threat posed by the Empire of Japan during the Second World War. Membership was initially voluntary but became compulsory from 1942 for men aged 35-50.
Home Guard – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand(external link)
“These are textbook Home Guard pits,” says project archaeologist Daniel McCurdy. “These are so textbook, that in fact one of them conforms exactly (within a few inches) to the standard set out for the Home Guard. However, instead of an optional drainage trench at the base, the men chose to place timbers instead, likely reclaimed from the local farm.”
There have been a number of archaeological finds on Te Ara Tūtohu since physical works began in 2023. The project works closely with archaeologists and cultural monitors in these instances. Depending on what is found, the find may be removed or documented and left in place.
“The area we are working in is historically significant. It’s important that whenever we come across a potential archaeological find in the course of our work that we take the time necessary to investigate,” says Te Ara Tūtohu project manager Calvin Rorke.
“I know that I, and many of us working on Te Ara Tūtohu, have learnt a lot about the history of this area through our work on the project.”
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
AI-driven hazard detection is coming to timber manufacturing, thanks to a new agreement worth nearly half a million dollars between WorkSafe New Zealand and a major player in the wood processing industry.
Claymark, New Zealand’s largest manufacturer and exporter of premium pine products, is putting $481,000 into a range of initiatives. It comes after a worker had two fingers amputated in a machine at Claymark’s Rotorua factory in February 2023.
WorkSafe’s investigation found the machine was unguarded and there was an ineffective system for maintenance. Training and supervision of workers also fell short.
WorkSafe has now accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Claymark. An EU is a binding commitment to fund and resource comprehensive health and safety improvements. Claymark’s EU includes:
We are sharing details of the investment to coincide with World Day for Health and Safety at Work, which this year focuses on the impacts of digitalisation and artificial intelligence on workers’ health and safety.
“We are looking forward to seeing Claymark pioneer its AI innovation to benefit the timber processing sector more broadly. Agreements like this are all about enacting positive improvements from an adverse event,” says WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon.
“The initiatives align with WorkSafe’s priority plan for manufacturing, which is one of the most high-risk sectors for workers in Aotearoa. Unsafe machinery is a persistent problem in the sector, which businesses cannot overlook.”
EUs are a way for WorkSafe to hold businesses accountable for health and safety breaches. WorkSafe monitors progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order enforcing them if they are not upheld. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe.
Read the Claymark decision document
Find out about enforceable undertakings
At Claymark, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. An incident involving one of our team members has had a significant impact – both physically and emotionally. We acknowledge the effect this has had on the individual, their whānau, and our wider community, and we are committed to learning from this experience to ensure safer outcomes for everyone.
Through our enforceable undertaking, we see a valuable opportunity to drive meaningful, people-focused change – both within Claymark and across the wood manufacturing sector.
Our key initiatives include:
This is about more than compliance – it’s about creating a workplace where our people feel informed, supported, and safe. Claymark is committed to continuous improvement and collaboration as we work towards a safer, stronger future for our people, our industry, and our communities.
On 27 February 2023, my life changed forever. While performing my job, I suffered an injury that resulted in the amputation of two fingers on my right hand. Since that day, I’ve undergone three surgeries to address the damage, and while recovery has been challenging, I remain hopeful about the possibility of prosthetic fingers in the future.
Everyday tasks I once took for granted like writing, showering, even holding objects, now require patience and adaptation. Music, which has always been a passion of mine, has become a bittersweet pursuit; playing the guitar and trumpet now demands creativity and resilience as I relearn techniques with my altered hand.
Throughout this journey, my wife, children, and wider whānau have been my rock. Their unwavering emotional support and practical help have carried me through the darkest moments of my recovery. I cannot overstate how grateful I am for their love and strength.
I’m deeply appreciative of Claymark’s commitment to workplace safety improvements outlined in this agreement, many of which I’ve witnessed firsthand. At 51, retirement isn’t an option I’m ready to consider which is why I feel fortunate to continue contributing to Claymark’s team. While my path forward looks different than I once imagined, I’m determined to adapt and keep moving ahead, one day at a time.
Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 27 April 2025
DOC Senior Ranger Karl Fisher says he was alerted to the discovery by a member of the public who emailed a photo, and the snake has been identified.
“We have sent one of our rangers to check it out, but in the meantime, we want people and their dogs to stay away from the dunes at the southern end of Omaha beach. We don’t usually see these snakes on land but with the type of weather we’ve been having, it may have been blown ashore.”
Karl Fisher says the yellow-bellied sea snakes are venomous and can be aggressive. They are found throughout the Pacific Ocean and are native to New Zealand.
“It’s very uncommon to see them on land, but with the extreme weather we’ve had recently, we are seeing all kinds of birds and sea life being blown ashore.”
He says that once the ranger has visited the site to check the snake out, the area will be cordoned off and a decision on what to do with the snake will be made.
“In the meantime, we want to make sure the public are aware and especially dog walkers or any children playing in the area.”
It’s illegal to kill native sea snakes or possess one. The public are encouraged to report all sightings to DOC using the hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Late April and early May will see maintenance works underway on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton.
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says contractors will complete a wide range of maintenance tasks.
“They will be fixing safety barriers – we have four recent barrier strikes that need to be fixed. It is critical damaged barriers are fixed as they are instrumental in preventing head on collisions.
“They will also be doing line marking and carrying out water cutting – this removes excess bitumen from the road surface, improves road grip, and makes it safer to drive on,” Ms Hilliard says.
Ms Hilliard says the work requires road closures over five consecutive nights, and State Highway 2 will be closed to traffic in both directions.
“We appreciate full closures do affect drivers. However, with winter approaching it is vital this section of the highway is in the best shape it can be for the winter months ahead.”
The work will be underway from Sunday, 27 April to Thursday, 1 May. The highway will be closed to north and southbound traffic each night between 9 pm and 4 am (works conclude Friday, 2 May at 4 am).
Ms Hilliard says local road detours will be available via Chester and Norfolk Road, and Cornwall Road and Hughes Line (see work and detour details below).
“Because these are local roads, road users must drive to the conditions, obey the speed limit, and be patient if there is queued traffic. We want people to get to their destinations safely.”
Drivers travelling through Wairarapa also need to be aware of other road works on State Highway 2 that will affect their journeys. This includes road rebuild work in Greytown and drainage works in Masterton.
It is essential people plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank the public for their patience and cooperation while these essential state highway maintenance works are completed.
View larger night closures map [PDF, 365 KB]
Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 23 April 2025
The second bridge on the Hooker Valley Track has been impacted by riverbank erosion from wind and rain events over the past few years and is also susceptible to heavy snowfalls.
DOC staff and engineers have been closely monitoring riverbank erosion at the bridge, and following the recent heavy rain over Easter, the bridge was closed.
“We’ve been managing the second bridge for the past couple of years, adding micro piling and other measures but continued erosion of the riverbank, with the prospect of more heavy rain and snow loading this winter, we have made the decision to close the bridge permanently,” says DOC Director of Asset Management Shan Baththana.
DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook Operations Manager Sally Jones says while it’s disappointing to have to close the bridge, public safety is DOC’s number one priority.
She says the walk up the Hooker Valley is closed temporarily until access to the lower part of the track is secured and a new suspension bridge is built.
“Walking up the Hooker Valley to see Aoraki and staying at the popular Hooker Hut is a highlight for many visitors and the temporary closure of the track will disrupt plans. But public safety is always number one.”
“We’re now focused on securing the site so we can reopen the lower section of the track as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are several other beautiful and accessible walks that remain open and offer those stunning views of Aoraki that people love. Kea Point is a great place for visitors to get those once in a lifetime photos. Aoraki/Mount Village is still very much open for business.”
Sally Jones says what’s exciting is the new 189-metre-long suspension bridge being built on the Hooker Valley track.
She says the new bridge is a significant investment in the long-term resilience of the Hooker Valley Track. Once complete, it will be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country — and a remarkable way to safely experience the power and beauty of this landscape.
The new bridge has been specifically designed to withstand more extreme weather events.
“One of New Zealand’s best day hikes, Hooker Valley Track is used by around half a million visitors annually and is the most popular visitor attraction in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. We are committed to investing in these well-loved nature experiences. We need to continue to provide safe access and make sure our infrastructure is future proofed against the effects of climate change, rainfall and winds. Nature is our most important economic asset and sustains industries like tourism.”
Sally Jones says work has already started on the bridge project with track building around the site. The aim is to have it open in Autumn 2026.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has over one million visitors annually and is second only to Fiordland in terms of most popular New Zealand national parks for international visitors.
Sally Jones says the number of visitors is increasing and she does have a message for those visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook.
“A concerning trend we’re seeing is visitors going off track through fragile vegetation and rocky terrain. This not only causes lasting damage to the environment — it also puts people at real risk. The landscape here is breathtaking but unforgiving. We ask everyone to think carefully about where they’re walking and climbing, and to stick to marked tracks for their own safety and to help protect this special place for others.
We all have a responsibility to do this. DOC staff work hard to keep people safe and over the next year while we are building the new bridge, we need everyone to respect the environment and the advice we give.”
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Community consultation has concluded, results have been analysed, and decisions have been made on speed limits for 49 state highway corridors, with most locations set to return to their previous higher speed limits.
On 29 January 2025, the Minister of Transport confirmed that 38 sections of state highway were subject to speed limit auto-reversal under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024, with a further 49 sections open to community consultation to confirm whether there was public support to retain current lower speed limits.
Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) carried out six weeks of public consultation on these 49 sections of state highway between 30 January and 13 March, and the NZTA Board considered the consultation results earlier this month.
Over 21,500 people had their say, and based on their feedback, 43 locations will return to their previous higher speed limits, with six remaining at their current lower speed limits.
The six locations that demonstrated majority public support, as required by the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024, to keep their current lower speed limit were:
Local road users and communities in these six locations made their support for the current lower speed limits clear through consultation feedback:
Implementation of the speed limit reversals will be rolled out in monthly tranches, with all reversals to be in effect by 1 July 2025, as required by the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024.
NZTA acknowledges there are a wide range of opinions on speed limits, and thanks everyone who took the time to share their views. A summary of feedback received through the consultation process is available here:
Consultation summary report – Speed reversals [PDF, 1.9 MB]
This feedback will be valuable in shaping future speed reviews. This includes concerns voiced by local schools and marae.
NZTA will now work with those schools and iwi, hapū, and marae to see what other safety interventions, such as Variable Speed Limits (VSLs), can be applied under the Rule to help them keep vulnerable users safe.
VSLs are required by the Rule to be implemented outside all schools by 1 July 2026.
Work is continuing separately on consultation on 16 of the 38 sections of state highways subject to auto-reversal requirements under the Rule, but where local communities have given strong feedback that they want to keep lower speeds.
For consultation on these 16 sections of state highway, NZTA is required to follow different process under the Rule. This involves undertaking a full speed review, which includes looking at technical, safety, cost and economic data, alongside consultation feedback, before being able to confirm final speed limit outcomes.
Consultation on these 16 sections of state highway is open for six weeks, between 2 April and 14 May, and the results of this phase of work will be known in June.
If the new speed reviews determine a lower speed should be confirmed, instead of the higher one set through the reversal process, this change will take place immediately after 1 July 2025.
More information about the sections of state highway currently under consultation can be found on the NZTA website:
New consultation on urban connectors
More details on the sections of state highway reversing to their previous higher limits is also available on the NZTA website can be found here:
Speed reversals and consultation – transitional changes in 2024-25
Notes to editors: