Auckland overnight motorway closures 26 – 31 January 2025

January 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 31 January 2025.

Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

Daily updated closure information(external link)

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

Southbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Orewa southbound on-ramp, 27 January
- Millwater southbound on-ramp, 27 January
Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Silverdale northbound on-ramp, 27 January
Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Tristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
- Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
Southbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 27-30 January (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 27-30 January
Northbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 28 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Esmonde Road (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 28 January
- Esmonde Road (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 28 January
- Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 28 January
Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 29 January
Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 29-30 January
Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 29-30 January

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

None planned

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 27 January (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 28-30 January
- Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 28-30 January
Southbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 29-30 January
- Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 29-30 January
Bombay northbound on-ramp, 27-30 January
Bombay northbound off-ramp, 27-30 January
Pokeno northbound off-ramp, 28 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

Southbound lanes between Foster and Trigg Road, 19 January (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)
Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 19 January (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)
Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Rd, 20-23 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Waimauku roundabout, 20-23 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 21 January
Northbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road, 21 January
Te Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 20 January

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

None planned

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 30 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 30 January
- Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 30 January
- Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 30 January
- Queenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 30 January
Northbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Maioro Street on-ramp, 29 January (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)
- Dominion Road northbound on-ramp, 29 January
- Hillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 29 January
- Neilson Street northbound on-ramp, 29 January
Northbound lanes between Queenstown Road off-ramp and Dominion Road on-ramp, 27-28 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Hillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 27-28 January
Neilson Street northbound off-ramp, 28 January
Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 28 January

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

None planned

PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

None planned

Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Current overnight closure information(external link)

Auckland roads and public transport(external link)

MIL OSI

Building a safer new bridge over the Onetai Stream

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Work gets underway onsite next week to prepare for the replacement of the 48-year-old Onetai Stream Bridge north of Paeroa on State Highway 26. A wider, stronger bridge will make this route on the eastern side of the Waihou River safer and more resilient.

Road users on SH26 between Paeroa and Kōpū will see NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) contractors on site from Tuesday 28 January to begin work. There will be lane closures for the first 2 weeks, and then a full road closure for up to 4 weeks from Monday 10 February.

Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery (Acting), Darryl Coalter, says NZTA appreciates the closure will be disruptive.

“Onetai is a small bridge, and the road approaches are very narrow. Unfortunately, it is not practical to replace the bridge in stages, so the highway will need to be closed here while the old bridge is demolished, and its replacement is installed.

“Replacing bridges is always tricky and invariably involves some road closures, to ensure the work is done safely and efficiently – and within the available funding.

“In this location it isn’t possible to provide alternative access and we recognise the impact this closure will have on road users – particularly those from local communities, however it is vital that we do this work to ensure the resilience of this route by replacing this bridge which is at the end of its economic life,” Mr Coalter says.

The detour route will be via State Highway 2, Hauraki Road and State Highway 25 for northbound traffic and the reverse for southbound traffic (map below). The detour will not add duration to the trip for those travelling from Paeroa and Kōpu – however for those travelling from nearer to the closure site, for example between Hikutaia and Kōpū – a 12 minute trip will become 35 minutes.

“The project team considered a range of construction options and has developed an approach to get the work done as quickly as possible, using prefabricated bridge deck and other key components to speed construction,” Mr Coalter says.

The existing bridge was designed and constructed in 1976. Its 2025 replacement will be 3m wider giving drivers more lane space, and with additional safety features including a new type of side barrier (see graphic below). Although bridges in New Zealand are generally built with concrete, this bridge will be built with a timber deck and bridge beams. Timber deck bridges are built successfully overseas and we are now piloting this approach in New Zealand.

NZTA thanks road users and especially the local community for their consideration while we do this work.

It’s advisable for road users to plan ahead using the NZTA Journey Planner.

Journey Planner(external link)

People can also check out our latest newsletters and subscribe here:

SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel

MIL OSI

Police appeal for information following fatal crash, SH30, Whakatāne

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are appealing for information following a fatal crash in Whakatāne yesterday.

At around 4pm police responded to a crash involving a car and a pedestrian at the intersection of SH30 and Thornton Road, Whakatāne.

The pedestrian was transported to Waikato Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition, where they have since passed away this morning.

A scene examination was conducted and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed or has dashcam footage of the crash or any information that may assist in our investigation.

You can report information to us over the phone on 105, please reference event number: P061383479.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

The best family-friendly bike rides in Auckland

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Get the whole family active on one of Auckland’s fantastic bike paths. Scenic routes wind through tranquil neighbourhoods and reserves and meander along coastal areas and past playgrounds, with plenty of places to stop and picnic or play.

These paths are gentle and picturesque, suitable for kids and first-time cyclists.

Explore Ambury Farm and Māngere Foreshore

Stop for a mid-bike breather at Ambury Regional Park (also known as Ambury Farm) and enjoy seeing a city farm in action with cows, chickens, pigs and more. Start your ride at the beginning of Kiwi Esplanade Reserve near the new Ngā Hau Māngere Bridge and weave your way around the waterfront to Ambury Regional Park. Once you’re in the farm you can begin the Māngere Foreshore Path, this isn’t a loop so you will need to make your way back the way you came. For a fun detour you can veer off to Māngere Lagoon Path for a short trip around the lagoon.

Ambury Regional Park has toilets, picnic tables and places to fill up your water bottles, so it is well worth making this stunning spot your big pit stop of the day. All our regional parks are rubbish free, so make sure to take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave.

Narrow Neck to Devonport Path

Enjoy a family day out on this path from Narrow Neck Beach to Devonport village. The shared path swoops past beaches and reserves, and has excellent views of Rangitoto Island and Maungauika (North Head). At Narrow Neck Beach there is a great playground, and Cheltenham Beach is another worthwhile stop where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or rest under a pōhutukawa tree.

Waterview Path

Following Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek, the wide, sealed Waterview Path is more than just a cycle ride; it offers a range of things to see and do along the way. Kids will love zooming across the colourful bridges and stopping to inspect the playgrounds and skate parks.

You can also take the Grey Lynn to Waterview path, follow the rainbow road and it will guide you to Waterview Reserve. The path goes under the motorway where you can loop onto the wide and relatively flat Northwestern cycleway which gives you a flat ride all the way to Great North Road.

This path is all about the gold at the end of the rainbow! The Grey Lynn cycle path to Waterview is a vibrant path that sidelines the motorway.

See the city on the Westhaven Path

Weave your way around our beautiful city centre waterfront on Westhaven Path. Start your ride along Curran Street in Herne Bay. You’ll find street parking here, or good nearby public transport. Cross under Auckland Harbour Bridge and onto the new boardwalks along Westhaven Promenade where you can enjoy stunning harbour views. Head left up Beaumont Street onto Te Wero Walkway where you can enjoy the nearby Daldy Street Park equipped with a basketball court, playground, water play area and 7.5m slide.

Carry on along the waterfront and dip your toes in the water at Karanga Plaza and admire the city view.

If the kids still have energy left to burn it is worth continuing over Te Wero bridge to see Te Wānanga, located on the seaward side of Quay Street. It’s an architectural take on a rocky tidal shelf, with openings like rock pools and steel balustrades like giant kina shells. Enjoy a breather under the shade of beautiful pōhutukawa.

The Daldy Street Linear Park has exciting play areas for all ages, featuring water play and 7 metre silo slides.

Te Ara Tahuna/Ōrewa Estuary Path

Cycle the Te Ara Tahuna around the edge of the Ōrewa Estuary, through bush and parks. The route is a gentle loop with lovely views across the water and interesting features such as Māori carvings which celebrate the area’s history as an abundant food source. The flat and sealed path is perfect for children on bikes.

This pathway for walkers and cyclists goes around the beautiful Ōrewa estuary, connecting Hibiscus Coast beaches, community facilities and the Ōrewa township.

Pakuranga Rotary Path

Get views of Maungarei (Mount Wellington) and the sweeping Tāmaki Estuary on this flat bike ride along the Tāmaki River, from Farm Cove to the Panmure Bridge.

A highlight of the path is the snakes and ladders park in Farm Cove, where the kids can stop and enjoy some fun with a view. There are also other scenic picnic spots near the water, where you can pause and watch boats gliding by.

Find more great cycling tracks and walks near you on our website.

MIL OSI

Emergency Housing target achieved five years early

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Ki te kahore he whakakitenga, ka ngaro te Iwi – without a vision, the people will perish.

The Government has achieved its target to reduce the number of households in emergency housing motels by 75 per cent five years early, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.

The number of households in emergency housing motels:

At its peak: 4,983 in November 2021
December 2023: 3,141
In December 2024: 591

“Large-scale use of emergency housing was one of the biggest public policy failures in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Under the previous government, many thousands of New Zealanders were dumped in motel accommodation for months or even years particularly in places like Hamilton,” Mr Potaka says.

“We campaigned on ending this disaster. When we came into office, we set a clear target to reduce the number of households in emergency housing motels by 75 per cent by 2030.

“Today we are proud to announce that this target has been achieved already, five years early. This means thousands of tamariki who were previously consigned with their whānau to grow up in dank motel rooms are now living in better homes. Homes where they have a better opportunity for regular school attendance, to maintain enrolment with local health services, and to enjoy all the other benefits of having a stable home in a community.

“We know that long stays in emergency housing have disproportionately affected Māori. Our Government is firmly committed to improving outcomes for Māori, and our pursuit of this target means that more tamariki Māori will grow up in better living conditions.”

The Government has achieved this by:

Implementing its Priority One policy which bumps families with children to the top of the social housing waiting list once they’ve been in emergency housing for 12 weeks or more,
Having a steady supply of social housing becoming available, with the addition of 2650 Kāinga Ora homes to be delivered over the next couple of years,
A combined effort across agencies to work with people in emergency housing to get them into stable housing including private rental homes.

“While the previous government only knew where about 50 per cent of those leaving emergency housing were going, our Government has done the work to significantly improve on this. As a result, we know that about 80 per cent of those leaving emergency housing have moved to social, transitional, or private housing with some kind of government support such as the Accommodation Supplement.

“Emergency housing will always be available as a last resort for those who need it, and it’s important we continue monitoring the availability and use of emergency housing to ensure we stay on target,” Mr Potaka says.

“We’ll continue to work with community groups, housing providers and local councils to build on these gains making sure housing for all New Zealanders is a key priority. The work we have been doing to get us to this point will continue and we will keep actively monitoring and reporting on the target to ensure gains are sustained.

“Our achievement on this target so far is just the beginning. We now need to sustain this progress over the long-term – to 2030 and beyond – to ensure households continue to thrive in stable affordable homes they can sustain rather than being stuck in emergency housing.

“Although we expect the numbers will continue to move up and down, the progress we have made reflects this Government’s commitment to ensuring Kiwis are living in quality housing and are not consigned to motel rooms.

“We’re increasing the supply of social housing and investing in more support products and services to get people into stable housing, including private rentals. This is better for whānau in the short and long term than emergency accommodation.”

MIL OSI

Fire Safety – Outdoor fires restricted in parts of West Coast from today

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a restricted fire season for the Grey and Buller Inland areas from 8am today, until further notice.

A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz.

West Coast District Manager Myles Taylor says although there is likely to be some rain in the district over the next couple of days, it won’t be enough to make a difference in places where the vegetation is now so dry.

“Because the West Coast is normally so lush, we have a lot of vegetation that becomes a fire risk when it dries out,” he says.

“That’s especially the case in the Grey and Buller Inland areas, where there’s flammable vegetation such as gorse, kānuka, and grasses near native forest and forestry blocks.

“Restricting the number of fires that can be lit reduces the chances of a fire getting out of control during this high-risk time.”

Myles Taylor says significant wildfires are becoming more frequent in New Zealand, due to hotter, drier weather patterns.

“Around 97% of New Zealand’s wildfires are caused by people, so we know we can prevent them if we try,” he says.

“Before lighting a fire, go to checkitsalright.nz and enter your address to find out what fire season you’re in, and what conditions you would need to meet to light a fire, or if it’s permitted at all.

“We’re also asking people on the West Coast to help us protect our people, property, environment and wildlife, by avoiding activities which could start a fire.

“These include using power tools or mowing the lawns in the hottest part of the day, or parking a hot vehicle on long, dry grass.”

MIL OSI

Government Cuts – New Science Minister must guarantee no further cuts to science jobs

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on incoming Science Minister Shane Reti to commit to retaining New Zealand’s valuable science workforce and prevent any further job losses.

Shane Reiti is sworn in today as the new Science, Innovation and Technology Minister.

“It was very disappointing to hear the outgoing MInister, Judith Collins, on Morning Report fail to say there will be no more cuts to a workforce already decimated by the chaotic and rushed cuts she ordered as Minister,” said Fleur Fitzsimons Acting National Secretary for Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

Some 500 scientists, researchers and lab workers have already lost their jobs and many have headed overseas where they are valued.

“The country can’t afford to lose any more skilled workers – the reforms Minister Reti will now drive will only succeed if the Government properly respects and values the existing workforce who now face more uncertainty on top of a year of restructuring.

“The Government makes a big deal about attracting skilled people to New Zealand to drive economic growth – it should make the same commitment to our science workers who live here now. Without that, more workers may just seek more secure jobs overseas.

“It must also commit to investing more in the facilities science workers need to do their best work. The Gluckman report said science was very underfunded already, but the Government has not made any promise to increase investment. One of its first acts was to scrap the previous Government’s big upgrade to labs and other facilities.

“If the Government is serious about using science to drive economic growth, it must invest more and retain the science workforce.”

MIL OSI

Energy Sector – ERANZ welcomes Hon Simon Watts as Energy Minister

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand (ERANZ)

The Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand (ERANZ) congratulates Minister Watts on his appointment as Energy Minister and welcomes him to the role.

ERANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says it’s good to see the Energy portfolio combined with Climate Change under the same minister because it further supports pragmatic policy solutions as New Zealand transitions to a clean, secure, and renewable energy system.

“There is a huge amount of work underway as New Zealand (and the rest of the world) transitions to a renewable electricity system. Thanks to our electricity generation base, which is already 85-90% renewable, we’re well-placed for this transition.”

However, Abernethy says much more investment is required over the coming years to meet rising demand and to reach NetZero by 2050.

“ERANZ members will be investing $10 billion by 2030 alone, and the Government has a key role in fostering this investment.”

She says ERANZ is looking forward to working with the Government to position New Zealand for a prosperous future powered by renewable electricity.

“ERANZ supports the measured work the Electricity Authority is doing with its task force and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) current policy programme.

“We look forward to working with the new Minister to seek market-based solutions that drive the best long-term outcomes for consumers and support a low-carbon, electrified future for New Zealand.”

Abernethy also said ERANZ would like to thank and acknowledge Hon Simeon Brown for his work as Energy Minister.

“We wish Minister Brown well in his new portfolios.”

MIL OSI

Energy Sector – Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes new Minister of Energy

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes the appointment of Hon Simon Watts as the new Minister of Energy.

Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says he is hopeful that Minister Watts will continue to collaborate across Government to provide clear direction on New Zealand’s energy system aspirations.

“Minister Brown set a strong platform to reset energy policy, reducing the previous Government’s interventions and focusing on a market-driven approach. The sector hopes Minister Watts will continue to guide the portfolio to become the foundation of a prosperous future for New Zealand.”

Carnegie says New Zealand desperately needs fresh investment in all fuels to flood electricity into a market that desperately needs more generation.

“The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity offered a clear summary of how the sector has been ‘reset’ to a market-led, fuels-agnostic, and technology-first approach, making it clear that only abundance – of both fuels and technology – can deliver downward pressure on energy prices.

We hope the new Minister will build on this by unlocking investment and reducing the regulatory barriers affecting energy costs. Our economy is struggling, families face high living costs, and our industrial sector faces fierce international competition. Much work remains.”

Energy Resources Aotearoa has worked closely with Minister Watts before. It looks forward to continuing this productive relationship to ensure that the Minister maintains a strong focus on ensuring that NZ has secure, reliable, and affordable energy.

“Let’s advance our renewable energy supply, but let’s also say yes to consistent and dependable firming to support these intermittent sources and deliver the affordable and secure energy we need to power a more competitive economy,” Carnegie says.

About Energy Resources Aotearoa

Energy Resources Aotearoa is New Zealand’s peak energy industry body. We represent participants from right across the energy system, providing a strategic sector perspective on energy issues and their adjacent portfolios. Please visit our website for further details about our members and to learn more about Energy Resources Aotearoa’s initiatives.

MIL OSI

Upcoming SH10 chipsealing work

LiveNews Publisher

January 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be kicking off chipsealing on State Highway 10 near Waipapa from the end of next week.

Three sites are planned for chipsealing:

South of Waimate North Rd
Between the Waipekakoura River and Kahikatearoa Ln
At Pungaere Rd

All work will be carried out at night under stop/go traffic management to minimise disruption for road users, with each site scheduled to take one night. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place the following day to guide traffic over the new seal and help to embed it successfully.

It’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

This work is expected to be complete by mid-February, weather dependent.

Chipsealing helps ensure a smooth, skid-resistant surface, free of potholes and slippery sections to reduce the risk of crashes and help keep everyone traveling on our roads safe.

Details of specific work sites for the week ahead can be found on the Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website. However, work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website up-to-date information, including any changes due to weather.

Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme(external link)

Journey Planner(external link)

This work is part of Northland’s significant summer maintenance programme, which will see approximately 210 lane kilometres of state highway renewed across the region by the end of May.

NZTA thanks everyone for their understanding and support while we carry out this essential maintenance.

MIL OSI

1...957958959...1,065 Page 958 of 1,065