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Featherston, State Highway 2 and 53 intersection night works coming in January.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Three nights of roadworks are planned for Featherston next month as the state highway summer maintenance programme continues in Wairarapa.

The intersection of State Highway 2 and 53 will be repaired from Tuesday, 7 January to Thursday, 9 January, between 9 pm and 4:30 am.

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager says it is about ensuring a well-used intersection is properly maintained.

“Once completed, this work will improve the strength of the intersection, making it more resilient and safer for all road users.” 

Ms Hilliard says the work has been planned at night when traffic volumes are lower to minimise disruption.

“However, traffic management set up will begin from seven pm, and drivers may experience delays from then. Please factor it into your travel plans and allow a little extra time for your journeys.”

Minor highway closures will be required, with local road detours available. The roads will be open to traffic during the day under a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h.

There will be no on-street parking at night in the areas around the intersection when work is underway, but parking will be available during the day.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank the public for their patience and cooperation while this critical state highway maintenance is completed.

Works Schedule and Detour Routes:

  • SH2 Fitzherbert St and Revans Street, Tuesday night, 9 pm to 4:30 am
    • SH2 closed to all traffic between Wakefield Street and Fox Street
    • Local road detour via Fox Street and Wakefield Street
  • SH53 Revans St. Wednesday night, 9 pm to 4:30 am
    • SH53 closed to all traffic at the intersection of SH2 and Revans Street and Orion Way
    • Local road detours available via Bethune Street, Brandon Street and Daniell Street
  • SH2 Fitzherbert Street and Revans Street. Thursday night, 9 pm to 4:30 am
    • Paving the whole section of road
    • SH2 closed to all traffic between Wakefield and Fox Streets
    • SH53 closed from SH2 intersection and Orion Way 

More Information:

The work is funded from a $278 million investment in Wellington’s state highways in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme. $162 million will be invested in maintaining state highway assets, and another $116 million is ringfenced for state highway pothole prevention –

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Second phase of ground works beginning on HB Expressway project

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Work begins next month alongside Tutaekuri River Bridge on Hawke’s Bay Expressway as the 4 laning Roads of National Significance project continues.

In the past few months, crews have been working alongside Kennedy Road offramp to clear vegetation and have laid repurposed safe, tested silt from the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, provided by the Silt Recovery Taskforce.

This is to raise the level of the land and create a wide, flat surface for construction of the 4 laning project to begin later next year, once the silt has compacted.

Between 8 January and 31 March, crews will be taking the same approach further south, alongside the Tutaekuri River Bridge.

During this time, there will be a temporary 70km/h speed limit through this area and road users will notice a lot of activity off to the side of the northbound lane, including vegetation removal from mid-January and silt transportation and construction from the beginning of February.

In February, the Rotary cycle path and walkway will be slightly realigned and there will, at times, be work site trucks crossing a small section of it. There will be traffic management to ensure all truck drivers will be slowing to a stop before crossing the path for the safety of all users and there will be people on site keeping the path clear for users.

Upcoming night closures in late January

From Monday 20 to Friday 25 January, sections of SH2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway will be closed from 8pm to 5am each night for a range of maintenance work. The work will be finished by 5am on Friday 25 January.

There are local road detours available which are expected to add 5-10 minutes to people’s journeys.

  • 20 – 21 Jan – Between Prebensen Drive and Taradale Rd roundabouts, closed for 3 nights – Local road detour suitable for all vehicles.
  • 22 Jan – Kennedy Rd on ramp, closed for 1 night. Local road detour suitable for all vehicles.
  • 22 – 24 Jan – Between Meeanee Rd and Pākōwhai Rd/Links Rd, closed for 3 nights. Local road detour not suitable for heavy vehicles.

Crews will be sealing the Kennedy Road onramp, sealing between Prebensen Dr and Taradale Rd, and between Meeanee and Pākōwhai/Links Rds, and other work including median barrier replacement and lane marking.

Detours are available and will be clearly signposted. The last closure will finish at 5am Saturday 25 January.

The HB Expressway 4 laning project team will also take the opportunity during the closures to install a temporary steel barrier as part of the Tutaekuri River Bridge work.

The barrier was in place during the Kennedy Road offramp work, and keeps moving traffic separate from the worksite, minimising the number of road cones needed.

Hawke’s Bay Expressway Roads of National Significance

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, Rob Partridge says the section of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway between the roundabouts at Taradale Road and Pākōwhai /Links Road is the focus for Stage 1 of the project.

“It’s the most congested section during peak traffic.  

“The work already completed at the Kennedy Road offramp and the work at Tutaekuri River Bridge will allow us to build the approaches to the new bridge,” says Rob Partridge.

“The ground will be compacted and monitored over a period of at least 12 months, allowing the ground to settle and consolidate sediment prior to future construction works.

“Hawke’s Bay Expressway is critical part of the region’s roading network. The project to 4 lane this stretch of it is really exciting and will serve the growth of the region for decades to come.”

To stay up to date with the project, please visit:

SH2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway

Stage one scope – map [PDF, 535 KB]

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New dates confirmed for overnight work SH2 just south of Wairoa

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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New dates have now been confirmed for overnight maintenance on State Highway 2 between Ohinepaaka Stream and Waihua River Bridges.

The road will close for 3 nights – 20, 21 and 22 January – between 8pm and 5am each night.

The work was due to take place this week but was postponed due to heavy forecast rain.

During next month’s closure, crews will resurface the abutment (approach) connecting Ohinepaaka Stream Bridge and the road. This follows recent work to rebuild the road surface.

At the same time, crews will be carrying out work to the deck of the Waihua River Bridge.

The bridge is structurally sound and next month’s work will focus on making repairs to the deck of the bridge.

Once the bridge work is complete, the temporary speed limit of 30 km/h is likely to be lifted.

The 3 night closure is needed because the area is narrow and the asphalt machinery is too large to allow for a single lane of traffic.

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Christmas is about giving, but don’t give up your privacy

Source: Privacy Commissioner

Taking a break and relaxing over the holidays is a Kiwi tradition, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about protecting your privacy, Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says.

“The holiday period can be a time of letting things slide, which can mean it’s also the time privacy issues strike, like phishing scams, dodgy online stores, and invasive kids’ toys.

Christmas shopping can be stressful, it’s time dependent and unfortunately scammers can take advantage of people through fake online shopping sites, or scam emails about parcel deliveries or special offers.

“With multiple things being ordered online, it can be tempting to click on a link about parcel deliveries and end up falling for a common phishing scam,” says Mr Webster.

Even presents can have privacy implications, with an increasingly number of things having AI included, for

 example there are even air-fryers with built in AI cameras. Kids’ toys are not immune either, with many ‘smart’ presents available.

“The key thing is about being aware the present you bought has AI included and being comfortable with the pros and cons of that. Good questions to ask are how much personal information it needs, where are these details going and who owns that information?

“You may be fine with using your own personal information to make something work, but are you so comfortable with having a family member, including potentially a young child, give away their personal details?

“It’s no fun to think about privacy when you’re shopping for kids’ toys, but you’d avoid a toy that presents a health risk, so you should probably also avoid toys that present privacy risks.”

Another good privacy tip is if you’re buying from a website you’ve never used before, make sure it’s a site you can trust. You can look up online reviews of the store to check their reliability and reputation. If you see a deal too good to be true, it really might be.

“It takes a wealth of personal information to order online, so make sure you only give information to websites you trust, as things can quickly go bad if it’s not a legitimate site.

“It’s important to pause and take a moment to think about the situation. Get a second opinion, check online and follow the guidance from trusted sources like Netsafe.

Road toll texts are another common phishing scam over the holidays. It can be difficult recalling when and where you were on a toll road, so it might seem real, but the most important thing is knowing Waka Kotahi will never send you a text message with a link in it, so don’t click it, delete it.

“We’re not trying to be killjoys, we just want Kiwis to stay safe over summer whether that’s on the roads, under the sun, or online with their privacy.”

“Don’t let the phishing grinches steal your details,” the Commissioner says. “This is your friendly reminder to keep privacy in mind over Christmas.”

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Tatau Kahukura: Māori Health Chart Book 2024

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Tatau Kahukura: Māori Health Chart Book 2024 provides reliable and easy-to-access statistical information on key Māori health indicators.

Tatau Kahukura has been designed as a tool for all parts of the health sector. The results highlight areas the health system needs to focus on to improve the health of Māori and reduce Māori health inequities.

It will be of value to the health and disability sector in policy, research, and service design. This information is also helpful for students and the wider community in gaining a better understanding of Māori health.

Tatau Kahukura also promotes Māori health analytical procedures and provides a reference point for analysts conducting Māori health focused analysis. Many of the more regular reporting, for example Whakamaua reporting, rely on methods specified in Tatau Kahukura.

Key findings

Tatau Kahukura shows that Māori have higher rates than non-Māori for many health conditions and chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma.

Findings include:

  • Māori adults were almost twice as likely as non-Māori adults to have experienced any type of racial discrimination.
  • Māori boys and girls (aged 0 to 14 years) and Māori adults (aged 15 years and over) had daily vaping rates that were around three times higher than their non-Māori counterparts.
  • Ischaemic heart disease rates were twice as high for Māori adults compared to non-Māori adults.
  • Māori females had a lung cancer registration rate over three times that of non-Māori females.
  • Māori males and females were around one and a half times more likely than non-Māori males and females to have diabetes.
  • Māori aged 5–34 years were more than twice as likely as non-Māori in the same age group to have been hospitalised for asthma.

How to access Tatau Kahukura

You can access Tatau Kahukura online, or download the document versions.

Tatau Kahukura: Online version

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New year new surface for SH3 Ōhaupō Road

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

To kick start the New Year, State Highway 3 (SH3) through the Ōhaupō Village in the Waikato will be getting a refreshing make over, with a 7-week road build taking place from Tuesday 7 January 2025.

Both lanes of SH3 on Ōhaupō Road, between Ryburn Road and Forkert Road, are being rebuilt says Andrew Oakley, Waikato System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).  

“The work involves digging down 450mm, removing the existing road surface and replacing it with new asphalt layers. 

“We’re starting it during the school holidays when traffic volumes are lighter, meaning less disruption for motorists and the community,” says Mr Oakley. 

The work is being done in two phases starting from the signalised pedestrian crossing to 100 metres south of Great Collins Street. This section is expected to take 3 weeks to complete. 

Phase 2 of the works will be from the signalised pedestrian crossing to 50 metres north of Forkert Road. This includes drainage work and is expected to take 4 weeks to complete. 

One lane will remain open for southbound traffic at all times. 

Northbound light vehicles will be detoured 24/7 for duration of the works. The detour is via Ryburn Road and Forkert Road, this will add approximately 8 minutes to people’s journey. 

Heavy vehicles including buses, overweight and over dimension vehicles cannot take the detour. They will be stacked and allowed through the worksite with delays of up to 30 minutes expected. 

“Closing 1 direction of traffic to light vehicles means we can complete this work more safely and efficiently. 

“We’re asking any residents within the worksite to get in touch if they need assistance getting in and out of their properties. While the road surface is being dug out there will be no access in and out of properties for approximately 8 days,” says Mr Oakley. 

Emergency services will have access at all times through the work site. 

“We understand this work and the associated closures are disruptive and inconvenient, and we appreciate everyone’s patience. 

“Our state highway network is essential for moving people and goods around the country, and our work ensures the road is safe and accessible for everyone who travels on it,” says Mr Oakley. 

This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund.  

View larger map [PDF, 182 KB]

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First GPS-tracked record of long-distance harrier flight

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  19 December 2024

While this common native bird, found throughout Aotearoa, is known to disperse over large areas, its journey hasn’t been GPS-tracked and documented until now.

The adult male left Whangamarino Wetland on 26 September, soared across Cook Straight at heights of 300 m and flew down the eastern South Island to arrive in Middlemarch on 7 October, where he has stayed put.

DOC is monitoring kāhu as part of research to better understand how this bird of prey uses the environment and interacts with threatened native bird species, which it sometimes preys on.  

DOC Technical Advisor Thomas Emmitt says kāhu prey on a range of threatened species such as Australasian bittern/matuku-hūrepo and black-fronted tern/tarapirohe.

“However, we don’t know the extent to which kāhu impact threatened species populations. This research will help us understand whether we need to further protect these species from kāhu as part of wider conservation efforts.

“By tracking harriers, we hope to understand how much time they spend foraging around places where vulnerable native species live compared with farmland or other areas, and whether it’s just individual birds that pose a threat or kāhu more widely.”

The early results are exciting, says Thomas. “We’ve seen an adult male take a one-way trip covering 1600 km from Whangamarino to Middlemarch where he may have paired up to breed.

“We’ve also seen a young female fly 150 km between the St James Conservation Area and Hororata in Canterbury three times in just over a month. She seems to have settled in Hororata for now.”  

It’s thought these birds are dispersing to new territories. Further monitoring will show whether they stay in these locations.

Other tagged kāhu are staying more local and their flight paths show a criss-cross of movements and habitat uses. The GPS tracking records finer-scale movements than previous studies and it’s hoped that analysis of this data will help shed light on kāhu interactions with threatened native species.

DOC is undertaking the kāhu research in the Waikato where there are bittern, and Clarence River where there are black-fronted tern. Both are critically endangered.

Other threatened species preyed on by harriers include shore plover/tūturuatu/tchūriwat’, fairy tern/tara iti, banded dotterel/tūturiwhatu, Chatham Island oyster catcher/tōrea, kōkako, brown teal/pāteke, marsh crake/koitareke, black stilt/kakī and New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu/pukunui.

DOC controls kāhu in some cases to protect threatened birds such as kakī/black stilt and other braided river birds in the Tasman valley, and tara iti/NZ fairy tern in Northland.

Kāhu/Australasian harrier’s southerly journey 26 September to 7 October 2024 (PDF, 1,894K)

Kāhu/Australasian harrier’s movements 15 October to 12 November 2024 (PDF, 2,279K)

Background information

Australasian harrier/kāhu is a common native bird found throughout New Zealand including coastal areas, wetlands, pine forest, farmland and high-country areas.

Self-introduced to New Zealand about 1000 years ago, harriers have thrived in a modified environment and with the introduction of rabbits, hares, mice and birds like sparrows and blackbirds.

Kāhu prey on small to medium-sized birds and mammals, insects, lizards and frogs. They also scavenge road-kill carrion, which can contribute significantly to their diet, especially in winter.

Harriers are partially protected under the Wildlife Act. It is legal to control birds to support the conservation of fully protected wildlife, or to protect domestic or game birds.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Major infrastructure improvements coming for State Highway 1 Kilbirnie

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Significant maintenance is planned for State Highway 1 through Kilbirnie next month until early February.

Contractors will be working on State Highway 1, between Kilbirnie Crescent and Hamilton Road, for up to six weeks from 12 January,

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says they will replace aging traffic signals and improve the intersection at Kilbirnie Crescent and Hamilton Road.

“This is a complex project which includes replacing traffic lights at the intersection, installing new underground cables and resurfacing the road.”

“This section of State Highway 1 is a critical link between the city and the Miramar Peninsula,” Ms Hilliard says.

The project will be completed in stages, some of which will require road closures and local road detours.

Ms Hilliard says every effort will be made to keep disruption for drivers and  the community to a minimum.

“This is a busy section of State Highway 1, and it carries around thirty thousand vehicles daily. This means some impact on drivers is unavoidable.”

“We will do the work at night, between nine pm and four am when traffic volumes are lighter. We will also ensure the noisiest works are done before midnight,” Ms Hilliard says.

Further updates will be provided before the work begins and as the project progresses through each of its stages.

Stage 1 – Works schedule and detour routes

  • Sunday, 12 January to Tuesday, 21 January. Sunday to Thursday nights, 9pm – 4am.
  • SH1 CLOSED between Kilbirnie Crescent and Evans Bay Parade.
  • Local road detour via Kilbirnie Crescent and  Evans Bay Parade.
  • Expect delays of two to three minutes.
  • Heavy vehicles must detour to the Wellington CBD via Evans Bay Parade.
  • This work is weather-dependent, and schedules may change.

More Information:

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SH57 roundabout to start construction in the new year

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Construction of the new roundabout at the State Highway 57 (SH57) /Tararua Road intersection is scheduled to begin in January.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Horowhenua District Council (HDC) are working in partnership to build a new roundabout at the intersection.

“While work progresses on the new Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) highway, the new roundabout at Tararua Road and SH57 will improve safety at this busy intersection and also provide a future connection to the new highway and Tara-Ika growth area,” says Linda Stewart, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships.

“Over the past fortnight, crews have been on site carrying out investigation works to confirm roundabout design and prepare to begin work on the roundabout in the new year. Traffic management won’t be in place over the Christmas period.”

Upcoming Traffic Management

From the week of 13 January 2025, construction crews will start on the first stage of work at the western side of the intersection. This will include the construction of 3 legs of the roundabout and installing watermains and other services.

During this phase of work, there will be no access from SH57 to the western section of Tararua Road and a detour will be in place. The detour will direct vehicles heading north via Queen Street East, and those travelling south to State Highway 1 via Kimberley Road.

The detour will allow traffic to flow steadily through SH57, minimising disruption on a busy state highway.

There will also be a 30km/h temporary speed limit on SH57 nearby the site for the safety of road users and crews.

Crews will be working Monday to Friday between 6am and 6:30pm. Outside these hours, the detour and temporary speed limit will remain in place on evenings and weekends while the work is completed.

We expect the first stage of work will be complete in June 2025. Following this, the team will move on to work on the eastern side of the roundabout.

The roundabout is expected to be complete around the end of 2025.

Roundabout a sign post for regional growth

Horowhenua District Council Mayor Bernie Wanden says the construction of the new roundabout at the SH57/Tararua Road intersection is a crucial step forward in improving road safety and supporting the growing needs of our community.

“This project will provide a safer intersection and better manage the increasing traffic volumes, making it a significant improvement for everyone who relies on this route.”

“The new roundabout will support the region’s growing population. With vehicle volumes set to increase over the coming years we’re working now to make this intersection safer for all those who use it” says Linda Stewart.

“The roundabout will also encourage drivers to slow down at the intersection, making it safer for drivers to cross and turn right. It will also improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by providing a pathway around the traffic lanes and formal crossings.”

Ō2NL site office construction

The start of 2025 will also see construction of the Ō2NL site office.

When work starts in January, the community can expect to see increased activity. Any construction disruption on the road should be limited to about a fortnight, while teams create the new access. 

We expect that the new office will be complete in mid-2025.

For more information visit:

Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway(external link)

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Overhead power lines spark safety call

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

WorkSafe is urging businesses to prioritise safety near overhead electric lines, after three companies were sentenced within the last week for incidents that killed or injured workers.

In the most severe case a labourer, Sean Clear, was electrocuted while working on a farm near Whakapapa Village in February 2023. His mower had become bogged down, and a digger brought in to extract it contacted an overhead line carrying electricity at 33,000 volts. As Mr Clear was steadying the mower for extraction, the electricity passed through the digger’s arm and into the 25-year-old Irish national, causing his death.

WorkSafe’s investigation found the employer, Coogan Contracting, failed to carry out a risk assessment to identify the overhead power lines as a hazard and have a spotter in place to ensure the lines were not contacted.

Just three months later in May 2023 on Waiheke Island, Emmett Holmes-O’Connor was working on scaffolding that had been installed too close to power lines. Aluminium cladding he was carrying touched the high voltage 11kV line, inflicting an electric shock that caused him to fall backwards nearly four metres off the scaffold. The 31-year-old received major burns to his hand and foot, along with fractures to his spine and ribs.

There was no close approach consent for the work, which is required when work is being done near overhead powerlines, nor a proper risk assessment of the dangers. After an investigation, WorkSafe charged both the employer Joan Carpenters Limited, and the scaffolding company Church Bay Services Limited, for their health and safety failures.

“Both cases are an horrific reminder of just how dangerous it can be when businesses do not take enough care with working around power lines. Businesses must manage their risks and where they don’t, we will take action,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Danielle Henry.

“Anyone working in or around electricity, especially high voltage lines, needs to be aware of the specific mandated requirements for working near powerlines. The local lines company may require a close approach consent application, to ensure the work is conducted safely. Do not start work before you check for consent.”

Construction and agriculture are two of New Zealand’s most dangerous sectors, which is why they are a focus of WorkSafe’s new strategy. WorkSafe’s targeted frontline activities will be increasing in both sectors as there are opportunities to significantly improve health and safety performance, reduce acute and chronic harm, and address inequities.

Read WorkSafe’s guidance on working near overhead electric lines
Read about another recent case of a worker suffering an electric shock

Background:

  • Coogan Contracting was sentenced at Taumarunui District Court on 18 December 2024
  • Reparations of $100,000 were ordered. The fine was reduced to $25,000 due to financial capacity.
  • Coogan Contracting was charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and 2(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
    • Being a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, including Sean Clear, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking, namely assisting with the recovery of a tractor and mower, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed the workers to a risk of death or serious injury
  • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
  • Church Bay Services Limited (CBSL) and Joan Carpenters Limited (JCL) were sentenced at Auckland District Court on 12 December 2024.
  • JCL was fined $16,500 and CBSL was fined $13,500.
  • Reparations of $42,818 were split between both JCL and CBSL.
  • JCL was charged under sections 36(1)(a) and 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
    • Being a PCBU, having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, including Emmett Holmes- O’Connor, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking, namely carrying out construction work (including cladding installation), did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed the workers, including Emmett Holmes-O’Connor, to a risk of death or serious injury from electrocution or electric shock from the high voltage overhead power lines at 17 Coromandel Road.
  • CBSL was charged under sections 43(2)(b) and 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
    • Being a PCBU, having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the way in which plant or a structure, namely a scaffold, is installed, constructed or commissioned ensures that the plant or structure is without risks to the health and safety of persons who use the plant or structure for a purpose for which it is installed, constructed or commissioned, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed persons, including Emmett Holmes-O’Connor, to a risk of death or serious injury from electrocution or electric shock from the high voltage overhead power lines at 17 Coromandel Road.
  • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively, you can:

Phone: 021 823 007 or

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz