Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Construction crews are powering through early works on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Te Karaka, laying the foundation for a major flood resilience upgrade designed to reduce road closures and keep communities connected during severe weather.
The Hakanui Straight flood resilience upgrade will raise an 850-metre flood-prone section of highway by 3 metres. The project also includes new drainage systems, upgraded culverts, and safety barriers.
Over the past two months, the Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) team and local crews have focused on early enabling works, but major earthworks get underway very shortly.
Media release 20 July 2025 – Work begins soon to raise flood-prone area near Te Karaka, SH2
TREC Project Manager Richard Bayley says crews are starting work around the Hakanui Stream, where a new culvert, measuring 1.8-metres in diameter, will be installed. Part of the stream will also be realigned to improve water movement and reduce erosion.
“At 1.8 metres in diameter, the culvert is big enough for someone to stand upright in, and larger than most used across the state highway network,” Mr Bayley says.
“The size reflects the scale of the challenge here, we’re building for future weather, not just today’s conditions.”
Culvert and drainage work will continue into Spring. Starting in mid-September, crews will begin lifting and rebuilding the southern side of the road, with work expected to continue through November, when they will switch to the other side of the highway (weather permitting).
Recent work has included relocating fibre cables and power poles and preparing the ground for the upcoming major earthworks. Environmental protections, such as drainage channels and silt fences, have been put in place to safeguard the Hakanui Stream and support native fish life.
Traffic impact
Drivers are encouraged to allow up to 10 minutes of travel time through the site during the work, as lane changes, shoulder closures, and stop/go traffic management will be in place at various stages until work wraps up in mid-2026.
As the project progresses, NZTA will keep people updated with any substantial changes to the traffic management requirements in the area.
We appreciate people’s patience as this work progresses.
Cultural and environmental benefits
Alongside the early construction work, multiple cultural inductions have been delivered by kaitiaki from Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki.
Kaitiaki of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Pimia Wehi, says these sessions ensure contractors understand the cultural and environmental significance of the site before they start work.
“Sharing the story of this whenua means everyone working here is well prepared to work respectfully and responsibly on whenua that holds deep meaning to local communities,” she says.
More information is available on the project website:
Hakanui Straight Flood Resilience or by signing up to:
TREC fortnightly updates(external link)
About the name Hakanui Straight
The project name is ‘Hakanui Straight’ but was formerly Nesbitt’s Dip. This is a change requested by hapū and Iwi representatives as the name reflects the area’s cultural and historical significance. The Hakanui Stream was important for local food gathering, mahinga kai, and as a travel route for waka.
With the road being elevated to ensure safer and quicker evacuations during floods, ‘Straight’ (rather than ‘Dip’), embodies strength, directness, and a clear path forward.
What’s changing at Hakanui Straight?
- An 850-metre section of SH2 will be raised by approximately three metres to reduce flood risks and keep the road open in severe weather.
- The Hakanui Stream culvert will be upgraded with a larger, 1.8-metre-diameter structure to handle higher water volumes, prevent highway flooding and allow safe fish passage to protect local aquatic life.
