Articles tagged with Dana Kirkpatrick

New Two-Lane Pekatahi Bridge Planned for SH2 in Eastern Bay of Plenty

2 weeks ago | 105 views

Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced the construction of a new two-lane bridge on SH2 near Tāneatua to replace the inadequate one-lane Pekatahi Bridge, with design and consenting funded at $5 million and construction expected to start in mid-2027 at a total cost of $64-69 million. The new bridge will be built adjacent to the existing one to minimize disruption, feature earthquake-resilient foundations, flood protection, and accommodate High Productivity Motor Vehicles, thereby supporting regional economic growth and improving freight reliability. Meanwhile, NZTA will maintain the current bridge with steel plate installations and ongoing monitoring until the new bridge is completed, addressing safety and community concerns in the interim.

Tags: Chris Bishop Dana Kirkpatrick NZ Transport Agency Pekatahi Bridge State Highway 2 Tāneatua Eastern Bay of Plenty Tairāwhiti Bay of Plenty Port of Tauranga

Government Invests $5M in Eastland Port to Boost Gisborne's Economy

1 month ago | 155 views

Associate Transport Minister James Meager announced a $5 million Government investment in new container-handling equipment for Gisborne’s Eastland Port to boost economic opportunities and regional connectivity. This funding, from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, aims to support local businesses, improve freight resilience, and enhance the region’s ability to handle disruptions like those caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. The investment is expected to attract new trade, create jobs, and help double the value of exports from Tairāwhiti over the next decade.

Tags: James Meager Dana Kirkpatrick Eastland Port Gisborne Tairāwhiti Cyclone Gabrielle Associate Transport Minister Government Policy Statement Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund New Zealand freight system

Raukūmara Pae Maunga: $6 Million Investment Boosts Indigenous Conservation Efforts

3 months ago | 507 views

A $6 million investment in the Raukūmara Pae Maunga restoration project aims to strengthen local employment and iwi-led conservation efforts against destructive pests, supported by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. The project, a collaboration between Ngāti Porou, Te-Whānau-ā-Apanui, and the Department of Conservation, focuses on large-scale pest control, forest regeneration, community engagement, and species protection in the Raukūmara Range. Through innovative approaches like DNA surveying and aerial hunting, the project is enhancing conservation efforts and developing a new generation of indigenous conservation leaders, with funding secured until 2028 from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.

Tags: Tama Potaka Ngāti Porou Department of Conservation Raukūmara Pae Maunga Conservation Minister Dana Kirkpatrick Caleb Wharepapa Te Papa Atawhai Raukūmara Range