Fire and Emergency New Zealand has moved Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into a restricted fire season from Thursday 16 January 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.
Fire and Emergency’s Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin says outdoor fires will be restricted in the Waitematā, Auckland City and Counties Manukau districts due to the high fire risk throughout Auckland at present.
“While there is some rain forecast next week, this isn’t going to be enough to counter the effects of the recent warm, dry weather,” he says.
“We continually monitor the weather conditions throughout the region, and keep an eye on how quickly vegetation is drying out.
“Right now, we consider flammable vegetation such as mānuka, kānuka and grass, and forestry areas as being particularly high risk, as these burn easily, spread fast, and can be really difficult to contain.”
The Hauraki Gulf Islands remain in a prohibited fire season, which means all outdoor fires are banned on the islands.
“If you’re thinking about starting a fire, you must go to www.checkitsalright.nz first to find out if you can, and what restrictions apply,” Ron Devlin says.
“There’s also excellent safety advice, which I strongly urge people to follow, to help us keep Tāmaki Makaurau fire-free this summer.”
An image from the end of Anawhata Road, taken on Thursday 16 January 2025, shows the devastation caused by a fire to native vegetation on the headland.
Fire risk prompts warning from regional parks rangers
As a total fire ban applies to the Auckland region , Auckland Council rangers are reminding visitors to avoid taking any risks with barbecues, fireworks and fires in remote park areas to prevent further damage from outbreaks.
Scott De Silva, Regional Parks Manager, says uncontrolled recent fires at Te Henga Bethells Beach, Long Bay and at Anawhata Beach show how quickly fires can spread at the height of summer.
“We are urging people to be sensible and mindful of the dry conditions, especially now that Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s fire restrictions have been extended.
“Remote locations, uneven terrain, and difficult access to water present a serious challenge to fight fires in our regional parks. Despite this, the support we receive from Fire and Emergency NZ in response to these incidents has been fantastic,” says Scott.
Fire and Emergency placed the season’s first fire restrictions in Tāmaki Makaurau on 2 December across the Hauraki Gulf islands, which remain in place.
With a shift to a La Niña weather pattern, from last summer’s El Niño, bringing warmer than normal temperatures over much of the country, any rainfall during the summer months is unlikely to prevent vegetation from drying out.
“Don’t take the risk of lighting any fires or fireworks – just one spark can get out of control so quickly and have devastating consequences for the safety of people, their livelihoods and of course, the flora and fauna we are trying to protect,” says Scott.
What does a total fire ban mean?
Open fires are prohibited in all public areas throughout Auckland
This includes on beaches and foreshores, in parks, conservation areas and forests
It’s prohibited to light fireworks in any public places.
Firewise tips
Avoid any outdoor activity that could cause a spark.
Leave portable barbecues at home.
Only use established barbecues at parks and beach areas to cook food.
If you see smoke that could be a threat, dial 111.
Visit checkitsalright.nz for updates to the fire season (currently prohibited, a total fire ban).
AboutMe (Request My Info Tool) had a glitch between 19 December 2024 and 12 January 2025 and any requests made during that time haven’t been forwarded on to the agency involved.
What happened was that an error in our system stopped people receiving an email verification link, which is a step in the process that lets your request go through.
Like any glitch, it was unintended, and we apologise for any inconvenience. We also recommend that if you used the AboutMe tool between 19 December 2024 and 12 January 2025 that you redo your request.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – Alpro Group, a leading healthcare provider dedicated to enhancing the well-being of seniors, has announced a strategic partnership with Skechers Malaysia to launch the “Silver Step-Pro: Empowering Seniors to Take Every Step with Confidence” campaign. This collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to promoting active aging and raising awareness about fall prevention, aligning with Malaysia’s government initiatives to support a healthier aging population.
(From left: Ms. Joe Ann Chong (Branding Promotion & Trade Marketing Manager of Alpro Group), Ms. Wong Siew Piin (Operation Director of Alpro Group), Stephanie Chang (Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia), Alex Ong (Sales Account Manager of Skechers Malaysia) )
Through this initiative, Alpro Group’s Silvercare Initiatives have provided exclusive benefits for members, including access to Skechers’ innovative footwear designed to enhance comfort, mobility, and safety. The campaign also includes educational videos and workshops that empower seniors with the knowledge and tools needed to lead active, independent lifestyles.
“At Alpro Group, we want to drive a partnership rooted in a shared commitment that goes beyond price,” said Ms. Joe Ann Chong, Branding Promotion & Trade Marketing Manager of Alpro Group. “Together with Skechers, we’ll be collaborating to create a line of footwear designed specifically for the senior community—combining Skechers’ innovative design with Alpro’s deep understanding of senior care needs. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to providing solutions that improve the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they can take every step with confidence, safety, and comfort.”
From Left 9: Ms. Joe Ann Chong (Branding Promotion & Trade Marketing Manager of Alpro Group), Left 10: Ms. Wong Siew Piin (Operation Director of Alpro Group), Left 11: Stephanie Chang (Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia), Left 12: Zann Lee (Managing Director of Skechers Southeast Asia), Left 17: Alex Ong (Sales Account Manager of Skechers Malaysia).
Exclusive Benefits for Alpro Group Members
As part of the “Silver Step-Pro” campaign, Alpro Group members enjoy:
Special Skechers Privileges: Special discounts on Skechers footwear tailored for seniors, featuring enhanced arch support, slip-resistant soles, and easy-to-wear designs.
Educational Resources: Access to videos and workshops on fall prevention, geriatric care, and healthy aging, delivered through engaging and practical formats.
Silvercare Initiatives: Ongoing support through programs that provide seniors with tools, knowledge, and products to maintain an active lifestyle.
Empowering Active Aging Together
Stephanie Chang, Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Skechers is honored to collaborate with Alpro Group in empowering seniors to lead active and independent lives. Our high-performance footwear is designed to provide the perfect balance of comfort and stability, helping seniors take confident steps every day. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, ensuring their mobility and safety are prioritized.”
Invitation to Join the Movement
To further amplify the campaign’s impact, Alpro Group and Skechers Malaysia will be hosting workshops and creating video content focusing on the benefits of active aging, footwear safety, and fall prevention. Seniors and their families are encouraged to participate in these programs to gain valuable insights and make informed health decisions.
“This campaign is about more than just products; it’s about fostering awareness and creating a supportive environment for seniors to thrive,” added Ms. Joe Ann Chong. “Our joint efforts aim to empower seniors to live healthier, more fulfilling lives by addressing their unique mobility and safety needs.”
State Highway 50 (SH50) Links Road in Napier will be closed for two nights later this month for resealing.
The road, between SH50 Korokipo Road and SH2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway, will be closed Friday 24 January and Saturday 25 January.
The work will take place between 8pm and 5am both nights and will be finished at 5am Sunday 26 January.
A detour is available for light vehicles. People travelling on SH50 wanting to access the expressway will be detoured through Waiohiki, onto Gloucester Street and right into Meeanee Road before joining the expressway. The reverse will apply for people travelling the expressway who want to access SH50.
This detour isn’t suitable for High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV). The detour is expected to add approximately 5-10 minutes to people’s journeys.
This work is weather dependent and contingency dates are Sunday 26 and Monday 27 January, 8pm to 5am each night.
The following week (Monday 27 January to Friday 31 January), sections of SH50 Korokipo Road, between Ngaruroro River Bridge at Omahu and Omarunui Road, will be under stop/go traffic management for resealing.
That work will take place during the day between 7am and 5pm. Please expect delays of up to 10 minutes to journey times.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks all road users for their patience while we improve both sections of SH50, ultimately making them more resilient, safer and efficient for travellers.
Legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe will remain in place for the next few weeks as part of the response to the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly earlier this month, says Biosecurity New Zealand’s commissioner north Mike Inglis.
“We’ve had fantastic support from the South Auckland community and sector groups to date, and we’re asking for that to continue just a little longer out of an abundance of caution. It is vital to our success in keeping fruit fly out of New Zealand,” Mike Inglis says.
“To date, no other Oriental fruit flies have been found in surveillance traps, which is very encouraging.
“We’ll continue to regularly check fruit fly traps, and specialist staff in our mobile field laboratory will cut up and inspect fruit and vegetables collected in the area for any signs of larvae. So far more than 200kg of produce has been examined.”
Mr Inglis says it’s anticipated the restrictions will remain in place until mid-February.
“This is so we can be confident that we are not dealing with a breeding population. This timeframe is based on scientific advice about the life cycle of the Oriental fruit fly,” Mr Inglis says.
There is no change to the current movement rules that are in place. The A and B Zone areas in Papatoetoe will remain the same and the instructions on the disposal of produce waste remain unchanged. More detail on these zones is on our website.
“Those legal controls prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found. The restrictions are a critical precaution to protect our horticultural sector and exports,” Mr Inglis says.
“There have been 12 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand which we have successfully eradicated, so we have very strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work.
“The fruit fly poses no risk to human health, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here.”
For media enquiries, call 029 894 0328
To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s Pest and Diseases Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Covering period of Thursday 16th – Tuesday 21st January – MetService is forecasting a warmer weekend ahead, bringing a long-awaited summer feel for most across Aotearoa New Zealand. The settled, mostly dry weather that many have witnessed this week is expected to continue; bringing an end to the unseasonal cool temperatures in some areas. In contrast, wet and windy conditions will be part of the weekend in the Far North.
MetService Meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said, “Mainly fine weather is forecast for most over the weekend, apart from a few showers in some places inland. The good news is that we are forecasting a wind flow change from the cool southerlies to easterlies, bringing in warmer temperatures for most. The exception to this will be the east of the North Island, including Wairarapa where conditions will remain cool, cloudy and showery. Wellington is expected to reach maximum temperature of at least 21℃ from Friday, so hopefully there will be fewer jumpers needed this Anniversary Day.”
Although the weather will be mainly fine for most, a rain bearing weather system is forecast to move onto the upper North Island over the weekend.
“A strengthening easterly wind brings showers in Northland and Auckland from Saturday, with possible heavy rain and strong easterlies in exposed places.”, added Mhlongo.
The beginning of next week might introduce a change in weather, with rain spreading southwards.
“A band of rain will move to the southern half of the North Island and the eastern areas of the South Island from Tuesday early morning, while the possible heavy rain and strong to gale easterlies continue in Northland and Auckland, spreading to Coromandel. Although it is still early days, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay might also experience heavy rain on Tuesday. We may see the first set of severe weather warnings for the new year, so keep an eye on metservice.com for any updates.” said Mhlongo.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, Galaxy Macau™ has officially launched its Lunar New Year campaign to celebrate the most joyful and lucky time of the year. Galaxy Macau™, Broadway Macau™, and StarWorld Hotel have adorned themselves with festive decorations, showcasing the unique charm of Lunar New Year in Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Guests are invited on a journey through the “Ruyi Gate” at the Diamond Lobby to experience a series of interactive digital features, including a lucky draw to win amazing prizes.
From now until February 16, with thoughtfully curated experiences, including an exciting series of auspicious events, luxurious shopping offerings, and enticing rewards totalling up to MOP 8.88 million, guests can gather blessings for the year ahead and embrace a brand-new chapter of fortune and prosperity.
Immersive Digital Experience for Lunar New Year Installations
As the Chinese Spring Festival has recently been recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Galaxy Macau, Broadway Macau, and StarWorld Hotel have been adorned with decorations inspired by the “Ruyi” knot, a piece of traditional Chinese craftsmanship symbolising good fortune and blessings, while every corner has been thoughtfully decorated to bring wishes of happiness and prosperity. This year’s decorations combine digital technology with traditional Chinese architectural elements, infusing the interiors with auspicious symbols and innovative concepts.
The God of Fortune, accompanied by Golden Boy and Jade Girl, will be visiting Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel on the first five days of the Lunar New Year to bestow blessings, fortune and good luck upon everyone!
Beginning at the Diamond Lobby, where a giant shimmering Ruyi knot installation awaits, guests are invited on an unforgettable journey including a lucky draw in the form of innovative digital fortune sticks. Grand prizes include white gold diamond jewellery sponsored by Chow Tai Fook, shopping rewards, discounts for the “Love Between Fairy and Devil” VR Immersive Experience, and a wide selection of dining vouchers, with prizes valued at a total of MOP 8.88 million. During the festive period, guests participating in the “Galaxy Ultimate Club” photo game can also receive exclusive limited-edition Ruyi knot keepsakes, symbolising blessings for the new year.
Inspired by traditional Chinese Si He Yuan architecture, one of this year’s highlights is the “Auspicious Si He Yuan Digital House” at the Pearl Lobby. Its exterior showcases intricate Ruyi knot designs, while its interior offers an immersive digital experience. The Jade Lobby features the “Fourtune Pavilion”, where guests can enjoy an interactive calligraphy experience using digital technology to create spring couplets in their choice of Chinese character for “Good Fortune” (“Fu”). At the “Garden of Blessings” at Promenade Central, a digital garden blooms with vibrant cherry blossoms underneath giant Ruyi knots dangling from above. Every corner of the resort is imbued with festive blessings for wealth and prosperity.
Galaxy Macau’s ‘Golden Fortune Rains’ mini-game is now live. Head over to the ‘Galaxy Macau Integrated Resorts’ WeChat Mini Program to access the event page before February 16. Galaxy Macau presents a multitude of exceptional rewards. Become a Galaxy Ultimate member to participate in the mini-game to secure exclusive concert tickets, luxurious hotel stays at the Andaz Macau, dining and shopping vouchers, and unique WeChat red packet covers. These thoughtfully curated New Year gifts symbolize our sincere wishes for fortune and success in the coming year.
Exclusive New Year Collections from Luxury Brands
The Lunar New Year is the perfect time to refresh your style and pamper yourself. Galaxy Promenade offers a curated selection of world-renowned luxury brands, making it the ultimate destination for the latest fashion collections. This year, top luxury brands have launched limited-edition items exclusive to Lunar New Year along with their early Spring 2025 collections, blending festive flair with contemporary trends. From January 24 to February 9, guests can even enjoy up to 7% cashback on their shopping.
From January 15 to February 7, the DFS New Year Pop-Up store at the Pearl Lobby features exclusive Lunar New Year gift sets and limited-edition offers from popular beauty brands. Shoppers can enjoy makeup demonstrations every Friday to Sunday and earn beauty vouchers worth up to MOP 860.
Special Festive Performances with a Strong Sense of Ceremony
From January 15 to February 16, the resort will present special editions of the Galaxy Macau Diamond Show and the Crystal Lobby Show. A dazzling three-meter-tall diamond will descend gracefully amid a water display, synchronised with stunning lights and awe-inspiring music. The shimmering Crystal Lotus, constructed of 380,000 precision-cut fine crystals and 146,000 individually programmed points of light, combines cutting-edge technology with luxury, creating an immersive technicolor spectacle with traditional red and gold elements.
The resort will present special editions of the Galaxy Macau Diamond Show.
From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the God of Fortune, accompanied by the “Golden Boy” and “Jade Girl”, will make appearances at Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel, giving out blessings and good fortune for the year ahead. Professional lion dance troupe will also perform from the third to the fifth day, showcasing breathtaking artistry and spreading joy and blessings.
A Spectacular Performances to Expand Artistic Horizons
The Galaxy International Convention Center and Galaxy Arena, Asia’s newest premier event venues, are set to host an array of captivating performances, including “Galaxy Music Gala: Lang Lang and Macao Orchestra”, “The TF Family 2025 New Year Concert – Passion is coming!”, “Jeff Chang Ultimate Continuum World Tour Concert in Macau, Chinese New Year Special”, and “TAEYANG 2025 TOUR [THE LIGHT YEAR] IN MACAU”. Adding to the excitement, an internationally renowned music maestro will make a surprise appearance on January 19 from 12.30-1.30pm at the Pearl Lobby, performing timeless masterpieces alongside talented young artists as part of the Music Chamber Series: Young Award-Winning Musicians. Over at Broadway Macau, meanwhile, the Broadway Theatre will showcase a diverse array of captivating performances and music events to ensure a spectacular entertainment experience.
On the first floor of Galaxy Promenade, GalaxyArt presents “Boom and Bloom Exhibition”, a dynamic and engaging art exhibition that offers an exciting fusion of innovation and fun. This exhibition sees the debut collaboration between Mainland artist Ray Chan and Macau-born artist Sanchia Lau with their original IPs “Shake Money Tree” and “Wishing Doll”. Over at Galaxy Cinema, audiences can enjoy Lunar New Year blockbuster films while their little ones experience delightful New Year surprises with the resort’s much-loved mascot, Wavey the Peacock. Hotel guests with young ones can also visit the Edutainment Center for free craft workshops themed around the Lunar New Year.
Culinary Delights for Festive Gatherings
“Poon Choi” is a beloved culinary heritage that reflects the nostalgic charm of Hong Kong’s Yuen Long walled villages. Galaxy Macau celebrates the traditional cuisine with a modern twist this year, infusing the classic dish with the rich, spicy flavours of Sichuan cuisine. Specialty items like Black Cane Sugar New Year Pudding and Chinese Turnip Cake are crafted from premium ingredients to highlight traditional tastes. Various restaurants at the resort will also roll out festive menus, from sumptuous banquet sets to à la carte delights and dim sum, catering to every reunion gathering. Diners using Visa cards at designated restaurants can enjoy an instant discount of MOP 150 when spending MOP 800, as well as dining vouchers worth up to MOP 600. Many prestigious restaurants at StarWorld Hotel also present a myriad of delectable Lunar New Year dishes, including the two-Michelin-starred Feng Wei Ju, ensuring a great start to the year fueled by acclaimed culinary artistry.
Restaurants at StarWorld Hotel, Galaxy Macau and Broadway Macau present a myriad of delectable Lunar New Year dishes for added festivity.
Explore Macau’s Festive Charm
The “Love Between Fairy and Devil” VR Experience invites guests celebrate a “National Style Chinese New Year” this Spring Festival. Choose from over 200 exquisite Hanfu outfits, complete with professional makeup and hairstyling. Explore Galaxy Macau and other iconic Macau attractions, where tradition meets modernity, as expert photographers capture every beautiful moment for you.
Outside the resort, guests can hop on the open-top sightseeing bus for a short trip and enjoy the glittering festive lights of Cotai. For those who love city walks, 23 locations across Cotai and other areas of Macau offer stunning photo opportunities with the “Light Up Macao: Symphony of Time and Space” installations. Guests can also visit the newly renovated Lai Chi Vun Shipyards, where eye-catching Lunar New Year decorations await. The Spring Market in the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards will open on weekends from January 18 through February 2, as well as on January 31 (the third day of the Lunar New Year). Featuring 18 stalls that offer unique local festive souvenirs, the market is complemented by live music and festive-themed workshops in the afternoon.
Galaxy Entertainment Group Revitalization Project Lai Chi Vun Shipyards Spring Market arrangements.
From January 31 (the third day of the Lunar New Year) to February 2, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards will host even more exciting activities, including the God of Wealth Parade and the handing out of fortune gift bags. Visitors can also enjoy various traditional events unique to Macau, including the Grand Dragon Parade, the Lunar New Year Float Parade, and fireworks displays from January 29 to February 8.
For more information, visit the official website at www.galaxymacau.com, or follow Galaxy Macau on social media (Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, TikTok and Xiaohongshu) for the latest updates. For inquiries and reservations, please call +853 8883 2221.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
TOKYO, JAPAN/HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – Real estate private equity firm Gaw CapitalPartners, today announces the acquisition of 45% stake in Agility Asset Advisers Inc. (AAA). This strategic partnership with Agility Asset Advisers Inc. further enhances Gaw Capital’s corporate profile and reputation in the Japan real estate market, amplifies its deal sourcing and asset management capabilities, and opens up new avenues to access lower-cost Japanese capital and evergreen funding sources.
Founded in January 2005, Agility Asset Advisers Inc., as a wholly owned subsidiary of Agility Holdings Inc. (AH), has been an integral member of the PhillipCapital Group (PhillipCapital), a comprehensive financial group based in Singapore, since January 2016. Throughout the past years, AAA has built a strong foundation in domestic real estate management for institutional investors.
Under the collaboration, an affiliate company of Gaw Capital and a related company of PhillipCapital, each hold a 45% stake in Agility Asset Advisers Inc. The remaining 10% is held by Mutual Links Corporation (ML), whose majority shareholder is AAA’s founding president, Mr. Kinji Kaiho. The restructured ownership is a testament to the strategic alignment and shared vision between PhillipCapital and Gaw Capital to foster innovation and accelerate growth.
Mr. Kinji Kaiho will remain as President of AAA, ensuring the continuity and stability in the company’s leadership as we embark on this new chapter of collaboration.
Isabella Lo, Managing Director, Principal – Investments and Head of Japan at Gaw Capital Partners, said, “We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration presents. By partnering with Agility Asset Advisers Inc., we are well-positioned to drive growth by redesigning and repositioning under-utilized real estate assets, unlock new opportunities, such as REIT initiatives, and deliver enhanced value to our investors in Japan and beyond.”
This strategic alliance underscores Gaw Capital’s commitment to deepening its presence in Japan and delivering innovative real estate investment solutions to investors worldwide. Together with Agility Asset Advisers Inc., Gaw Capital is poised to make strategic and significant expansion within the Japan market, solidifying its position as a key player in the real estate industry of the region.
Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Green Party has welcomed the provisional ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and reiterated its call for New Zealand to push for an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestine.
“We welcome the signs of a meaningful ceasefire, but there remains work to do to secure lasting peace,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono.
“This is a victory for Palestinians and the wider solidarity movement who have long pushed for a ceasefire. However, it must be followed by efforts to establish justice and self-determination for Palestinians, and bring an end to Israeli apartheid and the illegal occupation of Palestine.
“Aotearoa has a part to play here, and that is why the Green Party last year lodged a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“Adopting this Bill would mean our country backs up its recent actions in supporting a UN resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for ‘unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’.
“We must divest public funds from illegal settlements, recognise the State of Palestine, and join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, just as we joined Ukraine’s case against Russia.
“Furthermore, we should increase aid to Palestine, and support the reconstruction of Gaza as determined by Palestinians. We owe it to Palestinians who for many years have lived under brutal and illegal occupation by Israeli forces, and are now entrenched in a humanitarian crisis of horrific proportions.
“The genocide in Gaza, and the complicity of many Governments in Israel’s campaign of merciless violence against the Palestinian people on their own land, has exposed serious flaws in the international community’s ability to uphold international law.
“This means our country and others have work to do to rebuild trust in the international system that is meant to uphold human rights and prioritise peace,” says Teanau Tuiono.
Auckland Transport re-opened Pine Valley Road in Dairy Flat late last year after a three-month closure to fix an 18-metre slip and damage to a culvert sustained during the severe weather events of early 2023.
The road reconstruction work began in September 2024 near 257 Pine Valley Road, and the road was closed to all but residents with traffic detoured via Kahikatea Flat Road and Dairy Flat Road.
An 86-metre block retaining wall has been built on the southern side of the road and a large box culvert replacement installed to re-route stormwater beneath the road.
Project Manager Jay Badenhorst says the scale of the project meant the road needed to be fully closed for safety reasons and to complete the works efficiently with minimum cost.
“Construction crews worked six days per week for up to 12 hours per day to complete the works and reconnect Pine Valley Road before the end of year holiday period,” he said.
“I’d like to issue a big shout out to the team that delivered this exceptional work and thank you to the Pine Valley Road residents and the surrounding community for their patience.”
More than 3000 tonnes of soil was removed during the excavation of the roadway and existing culvert and 15 sheet piles were installed to support a 500+ block Magnum stone wall to support the damaged road.
A 2.5m x 2m longbox culvert was then built six metres below the road to direct water from the southern to the northern side of the road, and to prevent erosion and maintain road stability.
Large stones called riprap now protect the embankment by deflecting water energy and stopping soil erosion, and power and internet services relocated during the build have been reconnected.
The Pine Valley Road reconstruction work is one of more than 800 significant flood recovery projects being managed by AT since the 2023 severe weather events. Find out more on the Auckland Transport website.
