Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
A major flood resilience milestone has been reached near Te Karaka – the Hakanui Stream is now flowing through a newly built channel and large culvert.
Work is continuing at the project site on State Highway 2 north of Gisborne, to raise a stretch of flood-prone highway by 3 metres.
When completed, the 850 metre stretch of road will also have new drainage, a new culvert and safety barriers included.
The work is being delivered by Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) and local contractors, and is one of two projects which have been added to the recovery programme funded by savings found during other projects. The other project is Rototahe on SH35.
TREC Project Manager Richard Bayley says making these improvements will reduce the risk of future flooding, making the road safer, stronger and more reliable for everyday travel.
Traffic impact
Mr Bayley says crews are powering ahead, with a major traffic switch planned that will reopen two lanes to traffic.
“SH2 has been down to one lane while we installed culverts and built up the area alongside the highway.
“From Friday 21 November, traffic will shift onto a newly raised section so crews can start lifting the level of the existing highway, which is an exciting milestone. We’re a step closer to improving the resilience of this route.”
The traffic switch will see two lanes open to traffic, with a 30km/h speed limit in place. This work is weather dependent, and the dates may change if needed.
From next week (Monday 17 November), the road will be down to one lane 24/7 while crews prepare for the change. Traffic management is in place.
As the project progresses, drivers can expect further traffic switches and changes to traffic management. These will allow crews to install culverts, improve drainage, and carry out other resilience work.
Hakanui Stream realignment and new culvert in place
Hakanui stream had been diverted to allow crews to install the new 1.8 metre culvert. Before water entered its new path, Morehu Pewhairangi of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki led a karakia to honour the mauri of the awa and acknowledge the significance of the shift.
Students from Te Karaka Area School visited the site to observe progress and take part in the blessing. Stones from the nearby Mangatū and Waikohu rivers were blessed and gifted to each crew member and local kura, who placed them at the base of the new Hakanui Stream.
“In te ao Māori, waterways are ancestors, living carriers of whakapapa and life force,” says Mr Pewhairangi.
“The karakia ensured the transition was made with cultural respect. It reflects the heart of this project: resilience built not just with rock and machinery, but with tikanga, partnership, and deep respect for the land.”
