SH2 Hakanui Straight Upgrade Completed Early to Boost Flood Resilience

Major flood resilience upgrades on an 850-metre section of State Highway 2 near Te Karaka in Tairāwhiti have been completed two months early, including raising the road by three metres, installing large culverts, diverting the Hakanui Stream, and strengthening the road surface. Funded through the Government’s $609.25 million North Island Weather Event recovery programme, these improvements aim to reduce flooding closures that disrupt communities, businesses, freight, and emergency services, as highlighted by past events like Cyclone Gabrielle. Delivered in partnership with local iwi and contractors, the project enhances future weather resilience and has already proven effective during recent heavy rain and Cyclone Vaianu.