Category: New Zealand Government Public Service

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State highway road work activity around Tairāwhiti clears for an enjoyable holiday road trip

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Otoko Hill on State Highway 2 north of Gisborne is now back to two lanes for the Christmas holiday period.

Work has been continuing at Otoko Hill since Cyclone Gabrielle on a number of sites, replacing culverts, repairing roads and improving drainage.

While work will continue in the new year, the work sites will be back to two lanes over the holiday period. There will be a temporary lower speed limit still in place.

To minimise disruption for travellers over the holiday period, there will be no active work sites around the region from now until 6 January.

However there will be traffic management in place, including reduced speeds or one lane sections with traffic lights at a number of sites around the region including:

  • Kopuaroa
  • Mangahauini Gabions
  • D9/Gudgeons
  • Kemps Hill
  • Makatote (Makarika) Valley

Early in the new year, road users can expect work to begin again around the region, including

  • 6-24 January road renewal. SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha (weather permitting).  Stop/Go traffic management with 10–15-minute delays possible.  
  • 13-30 January road renewal. SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts (weather permitting).  Stop/Go traffic management with10-15-minute delays possible.  
  • 13 January road resealing. SH35 between Christopher Rd and Pouawa Bridge.  Stop/Go traffic management with 10–15-minute delays possible.

Reminders will be communicated closer to the start of this work.

Holiday season driving

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has updated its online holiday journeys traffic prediction tool(external link), which shows predicted traffic flows over the Christmas and New Year holiday, based on previous year’s travel patterns. This handy ‘trip hack’ is a great way to plan your trips and avoid the stress of getting caught up in lengthy delays.

NZTA wants everyone to get to their destinations safely. More cars on the road, tired drivers and people driving on unfamiliar roads can all add up to make holiday driving stressful and risky. But there are simple things we can all do to stay safe.

We encourage everyone to check that their car is safe before heading off, keep your speeds down, drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving on long trips.

Always drive to the conditions, which can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures.

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

  • Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
  • Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
  • Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
  • Take regular breaks to stay alert.
  • Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, no need to rush. 

Vehicle safety

  • Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
  • Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
  • There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
    • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
    • Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
    • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
    • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.
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Auckland overnight motorway closures 22 December 2024 – 10 January 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 10 January 2025. Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

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. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 9 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 9 January
  • Southbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 9 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 9 January
    • Esmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 9 January
  • Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 25 December-2 January (24/7)
  • Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 1-5 January (24/7)
  • Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 1-5 January (24/7)

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

  • Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 26-30 December & 1-5 January
    • Hobson Street (SH1) southbound on-ramp, 26-30 December & 1-5 January
    • Symonds Street southbound on-ramp closed, 26 December 9pm to 31 December 6am (24/7)
    • Symonds Street southbound on-ramp closed, 1 January 9pm to 6 January 6am (24/7)
  • SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 26 December 9pm to 31 December 6am (24/7)
  • SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 1 January 9pm to 6 January 6am (24/7)

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 8 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 8 January
    • Princes Street southbound on-ramp, 8 January
    • Highbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 8 January
  • Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9 January
    • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9 January
  • Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 7 January
  • Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 7-8 January
    • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 7-8 January
    • Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 7-8 January
  • Bombay southbound off-ramp, 6-9January
  • SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 6 & 8-9 January

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Foster Road, 8-9 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Northbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku roundabout, 8-9 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 9 January
  • Northbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road, 9 January
  • Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road roundabout, 7 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 7 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 6 January
  • Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 6 January
  • Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 6 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 6 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Eastbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 7 January
    • Hobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 January
    • Trig Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 January
    • Brigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 January

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Southbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 7 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • Bader Drive northbound off-ramp, 6-7 January

PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

  • None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

  • None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

  • None planned

Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

To check for the most current overnight closure information please visit Journey planner before you leave.

Journey planner – Auckland(external link)

Auckland roads and public transport:

at.govt.nz(external link)

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Brett Gliddon appointed NZ Transport Agency Chief Executive

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Board has appointed Group General Manager Transport Services, Brett Gliddon, as Chief Executive from 17 February 2025.

NZTA Board Chair Simon Bridges says the Board undertook a comprehensive recruitment process involving international candidates leading up to this appointment and thanked previous chief executive Nicole Rosie for her support of the smooth leadership transition. 

“Brett is a widely respected leader, who has a deep knowledge of the transport system and a track record of large-scale infrastructure delivery. He is a qualified civil engineer who has played an integral role in shaping our modern transport network. 

“Brett has experience in leading the establishment and delivery of diverse funding models, including Public Private Partnerships and Alliances, and is committed to driving excellence in the supply chain, with a focus on performance and improving health and safety,” Mr Bridges says.   

Brett has been NZTA Group General Manager for Transport Services for the past six and a half years, and is currently the Acting Chief Executive. He holds governance roles nationally and internationally, including as Deputy Chair of Austroads.  

Brett says he is very much looking forward to the Chief Executive role and the wider strategic responsibilities that come with leading the agency and delivering on expected performance. 

Vanessa Browne, National Manager Portfolio and Standards, will continue as the Acting GGM Transport Services until a permanent appointment is made. 

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New population of critically endangered beetle found

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  20 December 2024

John Evans found three of the distinctive looking weevils on a speargrass plant in Ōtuwharekai/Ashburton Lakes in November, posting pictures to citizen science network iNaturalist and a New Zealand bug identification Facebook group.

The pictures spurred a flurry of interest from entomologists (bug experts), who quickly alerted DOC staff to the find. DOC Technical Advisor Warren Chinn went and visited to the site in December, and found 41 weevils during a quick survey, taking specimens back with them to confirm the identification.

The discovery is a huge boost for the species, which is only known to live in one other location at Burkes Pass, near Tekapo about 80 km away. The Burkes Pass population has been in decline, and is thought to be down to critically low numbers. The species is also a Lazarus taxa, having been thought to be extinct in 1922 until it was rediscovered in Burkes Pass in 2004.

John says he noticed some weevils on a speargrass but had never seen a weevil that size.

“It was so big!” says John.  “As a farmer I’m used to looking at insects. I was like a stunned mullet when I learned these were such a rare species.”

The local trapping group which discovered the weevil has been running for 14 years, operating about 120 traps and controlling an estimated 3000 mustelids, rats, feral cats, and hedgehogs over that time.

DOC Senior Science Advisor Tara Murray says the discovery is fantastic news for Canterbury knobbled weevils, which were thought to be on the brink of extinction.

“Although the new find is a game changer for conservation of this species, it’s not out of the woods yet,” says Tara. “At this stage we don’t yet know how big or secure the new population is.

“Two populations are of course better than one, but we still haven’t halted the decline at Burkes Pass. Both populations are small, so they could easily be wiped out by fire or a few years of bad growing conditions for the speargrass plants they rely on.”

Tara says because the Burkes Pass population has been struggling, DOC had already planned some extra funding to help protect the species, which will also benefit this new population.

Aoraki Environmental Consultancy Limited, on behalf of Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, are very excited that a new population of critically endangered Canterbury knobbled weevils have been discovered. Arowhenua is working alongside the DOC team at the Raukapuka office to ensure their protection and hopefully one day expansion into other areas. 

These weevils are absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act, which means people can’t handle, disturb or collect them without permission.

Background information

  • The Canterbury knobbled weevil is thought to have historically occupied low to mid-altitude areas from north to south Canterbury in association with its host plants, species in the Aciphylla genus, a speargrass commonly known as spaniard. The new population is within the historic estimated range.
  • Adult weevils feed on spaniard leaves and flowers while larvae feed on the plant’s taproot underground.
  • Habitat loss, caused by burning off the host plant and conversion of habitat to farmland are likely the main cause of the species’ decline.
  • Since 2004, DOC staff and staff and students from Lincoln University have searched many areas for the weevil but no other sightings have been made.
  • Pest and weed control has been undertaken at the Burkes Pass site for many years to try and protect the weevil.
  • In 2022, a fence was installed around key weevil habitat at Burkes Pass to protect the host plant from rabbits and wallabies and exclude hedgehogs.
  • Hedgehogs and mice are likely to be key threats to the weevil. Some other introduced mammals would also be expected to eat them.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Let’s care for Aoraki this summer

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  20 December 2024

More than 100,000 people visited the Hooker Valley Track, the national park’s most popular attraction, in the 2023/24 financial year. We predict this season will match or exceed those numbers, says DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook Operations Manager Sally Jones.

“With high visitor numbers – it becomes even more vital people show respect for the park and other visitors.

“DOC encourages visitors to arrive early if they can and asks people to park considerately and share tracks with others. Mueller and Hooker huts and the White Horse Hill Campground are already heavily booked for the summer.

“Staff have been busy preparing our facilities like tracks, huts, and carparks for the summer season. Visitors must also play a part to care for this place and make sure everyone has a great experience.

“We’re adding 12 temporary toilets at the White Horse Hill car park, alongside the six permanent toilets located there. We’re also hiring extra summer staff to help upkeep facilities and make sure people are behaving appropriately.”

Sally Jones says in the past we’ve seen cars parked a long way down the road on both sides when the car park is full.

“We know the car park doesn’t keep up with demand on busy days and we’re working on ways to better manage this.

“There will be a paid parking trial here next summer to help manage visitor pressure. We’re planning the details at the moment and will share info like prices when we can.

“It’s fantastic that people want to enjoy this special place, and we look forward to welcoming visitors this season.”

Do your bit to care for Aoraki

  • Consider quieter times – data shows Hooker Valley Track is most popular between 10 am and 4 pm. We recommend making the most of the longer days and visit outside of peak times if your schedule allows. Visiting outside of holiday periods and weekends will also provide a quieter experience.
  • Treat our friendly rangers with respect – they work hard to keep facilities up to scratch and are happy to give some advice to visitors.
  • Plan and prepare – check weather and track conditions before heading out. Be prepared for changeable alpine weather, as it can go from scorching sun to wet and cold in the same day. As well as sunscreen and plenty of water, take some warm and waterproof clothing, even if you’re just out for a day walk.
  • Always use the toilets provided – visitors can expect the toilets to be busy during peak hours on fine days. We recommend using the loos before you head out.
  • Park considerately – don’t take up more room than needed and, when White Horse Car Park is full, only use the designated side of the road to reduce congestion and make it safer for walkers and cyclists, while leaving space for emergency vehicles.
  • Share the space and facilities with other visitors and move past people respectfully on the track.
  • Leave drones behind – they aren’t allowed in the national park. Drones disturb the natural quiet of the area, negatively impact wildlife like kea, and can pose serious safety risks.
  • Take your rubbish with you including food scraps.

Never bring dogs or other pets to New Zealand’s national parks, including at the White Horse Hill car park and campground. Pets are not permitted and pose a significant risk to native wildlife.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Update: Improving resilience on State Highway 63 in Marlborough

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Resilience work on State Highway 63 at the Wash Bridge in Marlborough has finished in time for Christmas.

Contractors sealed the raised road on Monday, 16 December before heavy rain hit the area.

The new road surface was line marked yesterday (19 December), and both lanes of the highway have been returned to an 80 km/h speed limit in time for the holiday season

Contractors have been onsite since October raising the height of the road by 1.5 meters making the road more resilient and minimising the risk of future flooding. The team has also completed culvert improvements at the site.

While the work on the road is complete, contractors will return to the site early in the New Year to install safety barriers.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks road users and the community for their patience and understanding while this important resilience work was completed.

14 November:

Work crews are working at pace on resilience works on State Highway 63 near the Wash Bridge between Wairau Valley and St Arnaud.

Good progress is being made on efforts to protect the road from flooding. The height of the road is being raised by 1.5 metres, and culvert improvements are being made as well.

Steps are being taken to speed up the project and contractors are now working Saturdays to ensure the site is completed and the road resealed before Christmas.

Stop/Go will operate Mondays to Saturdays, between 7:30 am and 5 pm. The road will reopen to two lanes outside of work hours, but a reduced speed limit will remain in place.

Road users must obey the lower speed limit. It is there to protect the road under construction, and to keep drivers safe.

2 October:

New resilience work starts next week on State Highway 63 in Marlborough, on the Blenheim side of The Wash Bridge.

Contractors will be on-site from next Monday, 7 October, with work expected to continue until early December.

They will raise the height of the road by 1.5 meters to minimise future flooding and carry out culvert improvements as well.

Making these improvements and increasing the highway’s resilience will ensure the State Highway 63 will be stronger and better prepared when bad weather strikes.

During the work, one lane of the highway will remain open under stop/go temporary traffic management. A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will also be in place. Road users can expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

Other resilience works are planned for Marlborough. They include State Highway 6 Canvastown at Racecourse Bridge, State Highway 6 Rai Saddle and State Highway 1 at Dashwood. More information about these projects will be shared before they get underway. 

Works Schedule: 

  • Stop/Go temporary traffic management in place from Monday. 7 October to Friday. 6 December, 7:30 am – 5 pm – No work on Saturdays or Sundays or public holidays.
  • The road will reopen to two lanes outside of work hours.
  • A temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will be in place at the site 24/7.
  • Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

More Information: 

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Reindeer ready: SH1 Mangamuka Gorge reopens in time for Santa

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Run, run Rudolph, State Highway 1 between Mangamuka and Kaitaia opened to all vehicles at 12.01am this morning. 

The Mangamuka Gorge has been closed since August 2022, due to significant slip damage caused by severe weather. Additional weather events and record rainfall throughout 2023 resulted in additional slips, as well as further complicating repairs on existing slip sites. In June this year, a significant new slip formed, taking the total number of slip sites to 36, with 16 of those identified as critical. 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Project Director, Mark Ware, says it’s a tremendous feeling to see the road opened today, just in time for Christmas. 

“We know how important this road is to the people who live, work and do business in Te Tai Tokerau Northland. The team has worked tirelessly to restore this crucial social and economic connection for the Far North and ensure its resilience for the future.

“While much of the repair work is underground, with the extensive piles and anchors hidden from view, road users will notice a wider road at the repaired sites, new asphalt, capping beams, guardrails, and a new retaining wall – all part of a highly complex engineering effort. The summit will also be open, providing a spot for people to take a break, stretch their legs, and enjoy lunch at the new picnic tables.

“Alongside the slip repairs, we’ve made significant drainage and stormwater improvements to ensure the road is better able to handle any future weather events.  

“Our team has worked at pace through tough conditions to meet the challenge of restoring this important connection. As they worked, they needed to continually monitor the hillside to ensure there was no new earth movement. They also faced Northland’s challenging geology (Northland Allochthon, or “Northland Problematic Rock”) and the narrow terrain of the gorge itself.”  

The significant work programme has led to some pretty impressive numbers for the project, says Mr Ware.

“There is a lot to be proud of in some of these figures – the sheer number of site hours the crews have put in to get us to this point, and the high percentage of locals, and local companies involved. It’s a real success story.”

A few facts about the project (February 2023 – November 2024): 

People 

  • 560,000+ site hours 
  • 1,274 total inducted site staff 
  • 150 average daily workforce on-site 

Companies 

  • 193 total companies involved 
  • 58% Far North employers 
  • 29 daily average companies on-site
  • 50% Far North District average workforce on-site 
  • 68% Northland region average workforce on-site

Slips 

  • 36 total slips (16 critical slips and 20 minor slips) 

Piles 

  • 1337 total piles installed 
  • 747 enabling piles 
  • 590 permanent piles 
  • 23m average pile depth 
  • 32m deepest pile 
  • 12.8km total length of drilling 
  • 10,000m3 of concrete used 

Road surface 

  • 5.2km of road paved 
  • 50,000m2 of asphalt installed 
  • 6,571 tons of asphalt installed

12-month rainfall (Feb 2023 – Feb 2024) 

  • 1712mm historical average annual rainfall 
  • 2801mm total rainfall in the past 12 months 
  • 542mm rainfall in the wettest month, May 2023 
  • 34mm rainfall in the driest month, Feb 2024 
  • 72mm/hr peak rainfall per hour 
  • 118.8mm rainfall on the wettest day, 23 Sept 2023 

Northland Inc Chief Executive, Paul Linton, says resilient roading networks are the backbone of Northland’s economy and community.

“Roads like SH1 through the Mangamuka Gorge are critical lifelines, connecting our people, businesses, and visitors to the rest of the region and beyond. 

“This reopening is not just about restoring a key transport route; it’s about ensuring the resilience of our infrastructure to support economic growth, enhance tourism, and maintain the well-being of our communities. The investment in this project underscores the vital role these connections play in shaping a thriving and future-focused Te Tai Tokerau Northland,” says Mr Linton.

Though the road is now open, additional works are required after the busy Christmas holiday break to finish the repairs. Workers will return to site the week beginning Monday 13 January 2025 to complete anchor work on the remaining slips. Works are expected to continue until April 2025. 

“The road will remain open during these works and the team will do their best to minimise disruptions. However, people can expect to see temporary traffic management, such as reduced speeds, stop/go or traffic lights,” Mr Ware says. 

A temporary 80km/h speed limit will be in place on SH1 Mangamuka Gorge until April 2025 for the safety of the construction team undertaking finishing work and while road users get reacquainted with the route, following the two-year closure. The speed restriction is not expected to impact travel.

There are also areas of new seal and Mr Ware asks motorists to adhere to posted speed limits to help keep themselves, other road users and road workers safe. The temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the seal while it beds in.

“As these final repairs are completed, we ask that people help keep everyone on the road safe by driving with care, adhering to the posted speed limits and following the directions of traffic management staff and signs.”

As part of the largest ever investment in state highway renewals in Northland, NZTA is also undertaking significant pavement repairs this summer to address damage and prevent potholes on State Highway 10, the detour route used during the closure.  

NZTA plans to repair about 15,000m² of pavement – 55% more than the average amount repaired on SH10 over the past three years. Key renewal sites include rebuilding 1km of SH10 between Pakaraka and Waipapa and resurfacing nearly 10km of road, with 5.5km in the Mangōnui to Taipa area.  

“We’d like to thank the people of Te Tai Tokerau Northland for their patience and support of the project, and we hope everyone enjoys a relaxing Christmas holiday break in the beautiful Far North this summer,” Mr Ware says.

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good drive.” 

SH1 Mangamuka Gorge slip repairs project

SH1 Mangamuka Gorge slip repairs YouTube playlist(external link)

SH1 Mangamuka Gorge slip repairs photo gallery(external link)

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EIT’s foundation skills, and sport courses pave new pathways for rangatahi | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 minutes ago

Students taking part in EIT’s Level 3 Sport, Recreation and Exercise at the Maraenui Learning Centre have had a successful year.

EIT’s Foundation Skills and Sport, Recreation and Exercise courses are creating meaningful opportunities for rangatahi in Hawke’s Bay, helping them reconnect with education and discover their potential.

The courses—Level 2 Foundation Skills (Exercise and Wellbeing), Level 3 Sport, Recreation and Exercise, and Level 4 Exercise—operate out of EIT’s Maraenui Learning Centre and have become a hub of growth and transformation.

Delivered in partnership with EIT graduate and lecturer Levi Armstrong’s Meki Foundation, the programmes focus on holistic education, blending physical activity, personal development, and strong pastoral care to ensure students thrive.

“These are students who left school early and thought education wasn’t for them,” said Sport and Exercise Lecturer Coven Ratima (Ngāti Kahungunu), an EIT graduate who now tutors the same course he once completed. “But once they step into this space, they see what’s possible. It’s fun, it’s engaging, and it’s designed to build their confidence and skills.”

Hope Truman, 17, is one of those students. After leaving school at 16, she was hesitant to join the programme, even with encouragement from her mum. “At first, I didn’t want to do it. I told her, ‘I’m not going,’ but then she said she’d come with me because I didn’t want to go by myself,” Hope shared. Her mum joined her on the first day, sitting alongside her in the classroom.

That initial support was all Hope needed to embrace the programme. “After the first day, I wanted to keep coming because everyone was just so welcoming,” she said. “Even though it was their first time meeting me, they were like, ‘you’re our daughter now,’ so I thought, okay, I’m coming.”

Now thriving in the Level 3 course, Hope plans to continue her studies in 2025. She’s not alone—100 per cent of this year’s Level 3 students in Maraenui have enrolled in Level 4 for next year.

Students take part in diverse activities, from planning events to designing fitness programmes, all while developing critical skills like teamwork, time management, and leadership. Highlights of 2024 included the “Longest Day” fitness challenge and a decathlon sports day in November, which brought students from across the region together to celebrate their achievements.

This year, the courses also expanded into Gisborne for the first time, marking a significant milestone. Record numbers of students are now preparing to continue their studies in 2025, building on their successes at Level 2 and Level 3 to progress into higher qualifications.

Next year, the level 2 and 3 courses will be offered in Maraenui, Tairāwhiti, Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa.

Levi (Ngāti Kahungunu) said having the courses in the community breaks down barriers.

“In places like Maraenui, we’re creating safe, supportive spaces where whānau feel welcome and students can focus on their education.”

He also highlighted the importance of addressing challenges outside the classroom. “We’re removing barriers like transport and food insecurity so students can concentrate on their learning. It’s about creating a space where education feels possible and exciting.”

Coven echoed the sentiment, saying, “The growth has been phenomenal. It’s not just about education; it’s about giving them the tools to build better lives for themselves and their whānau. Seeing them succeed is the ultimate reward.”

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South Westland update – Epitaph slip and rift areas, below and above SH6

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) rock scaling crews have made good progress on a section of South Westland cliff-face since torrential rain led to the closure of the highway north of Haast in November. Rockfall and debris were triggered in a number of places with widespread flooding and clean up required along the highway.

“Scaling crews moved onto the area above the road (the rift area), north of the historic underslip, soon after the rockfall and have been working with explosives in recent weeks to clear particular rock features,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.

The highway has been closed 12.30 pm to 4 pm on Tuesday and Thursday  afternoons to allow for the safe explosives placement, blasting and road clearance to occur.

“Deconstruction of the Epitaph Rift feature, set off by the 9 November rainfall, is progressing well.  It’s painstakingly slow work, deconstructing the feature block by block, but the teams have made good progress.

“They will now take a break over the Christmas period, with work stopping on site Friday, 20 December and re-starting Monday, 13 January.”

  • Work will restart from the 13 January and is expected to continue through to March, 2025.
  • From 13 January, the road will again be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12.30 and 4pm for explosive rock clearing.

Epitaph underslip

The historic underslip area south of the rockfall site, has remained stable through the recent periods of heavy rain. There has been no movement recorded since the heaviest recent rainfall on 9 November.

“An extensive remote monitoring system is now in place, providing real time information to our maintenance teams should any movement occur,” says Miss Whinham. “We have resources in place to manage the site over the Christmas period if it is needed and if weather triggers any other movements around this site.”

Normal road speed limits apply Xmas/20 December to 13 January

There will be no traffic management or speed restrictions through the Epitaph site over the Christmas period, given no crew are on the ground, however during periods of heavy rain the road may close at short notice for road user safety.

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Working with businesses to make positive changes

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

Recently, we visited a panel beater in Hamilton that was operating with some poor practices. Our inspector Thomas worked with the business owners to make some changes.

“They’ve made positive changes, including small, low-cost ones such as changing where they work to be more in the open air, how they store the paints and chemicals, and protecting power points and exposed power supplies from being potential sources of ignition,” said Thomas. 

We’re grateful that the business owners were honest about what their knowledge gaps were and open to working with us to make their work safer.  

We’re not always going to visit a business and demand major, high-cost changes. Often, you can improve the safety of a business with a few small, targeted changes. Part of what our inspectors do is offer their expertise to work with businesses to make improvements. 

We know it can be daunting when we visit your business but at the end of the day, we all have the same goal – to make sure you make it home safely from work.  

“They really want this business to be a success and as part of that they really want to look after their own health and safety. It’s a really great result.”