23 Oct 2026
2 hours ago
29 views
Grants from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support two marae to strengthen their ability to serve as community hubs and offer refuge in times of emergency, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. A $4 million grant will go to Mataura Marae in the Southland town of Mataura. A $150,000 grant will also be provided from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to Takitimu Marae in Wairoa.
27 Jul 2026
2 months ago
628 views
The opening of the SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road flyover bridge marks a key milestone in the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project, enhancing connectivity between Tauranga and Te Puna with a 6.8km four-lane expressway. This complex infrastructure, built in a sensitive urban wetland environment, includes major earthworks and advanced construction techniques, supporting improved traffic flow and safety. As one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, the Bay of Plenty will benefit from this project’s goal to boost economic growth and freight efficiency, with completion expected in 2028.
09 Jul 2026
3 months ago
759 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed NZTA's Major Transport Projects Pipeline, outlining the phased delivery of key Roads of National Significance and major public transport projects to support economic growth and job creation. The pipeline details three phases: current construction and procurement of major roads and regional projects, preparation and route protection for upcoming projects, and slower progress on longer-term initiatives, ensuring a balanced investment across new corridors and existing infrastructure maintenance. Despite challenges like rising construction costs and reduced fuel excise duty, the government maintains an ambitious, responsible transport program aimed at building a safe, reliable, and resilient transport system nationwide.
14 May 2026
5 months ago
882 views
The Government has signed a City and Regional Deal with Western Bay of Plenty councils to establish a long-term partnership aimed at boosting economic growth, improving living standards, and supporting well-planned regional development. The Deal focuses on six pillars including transport infrastructure, housing development, social infrastructure, export growth, and economic diversification, with coordinated investment and planning aligned with the SmartGrowth partnership. Key projects like the Takitimu North Link and Tauriko West Roads, alongside joint funding mechanisms and strong governance, will support the region’s rapid growth and its role as a critical export gateway.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1136 views
The Takitimu North Link – Stage 2, a 7.7-kilometre four-lane highway between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa in the Western Bay of Plenty, has received Fast-track approval, aiming to improve safety, reliability, and regional growth. This project is part of the Government’s broader infrastructure plan to address New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit, create jobs, and stimulate economic output, with the Takitimu North Link expected to generate around $610 million and over 4,800 jobs. It is the 14th project approved through the Fast-track process, which expedites infrastructure development across various sectors nationwide.
22 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1554 views
The New Zealand Government urges all drivers to prioritize road safety this summer, with Police actively enforcing laws against speeding, impaired driving, and seatbelt non-compliance. Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the introduction of roadside drug testing and investments in major transport projects to improve holiday travel conditions and reduce accidents. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to plan their trips using updated traffic prediction tools and to drive responsibly during the official Christmas–New Year holiday period.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1814 views
The NZ Transport Agency has awarded a $42 million contract to HEB Construction Limited to begin construction on the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement in October, as part of the State Highway 29 Tauriko West project. This project aims to enhance safety, resilience, and freight efficiency along SH29, a crucial corridor in the Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga triangle, with a total of $7 billion already allocated for Government-funded projects nationwide. Future phases of the project will involve route protection and consenting for a new four-lane SH29, supporting growth in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty with improved travel times and reduced accidents.