From left Andrew Scott, Andrew Johnson and Wayne Troughton the three project engineers most closely associated with Tauranga Eastern Link, were on ribbon duty at the opening. Photo/Pauline Carney
From left Andrew Scott, Andrew Johnson and Wayne Troughton the three project engineers most closely associated with Tauranga Eastern Link, were on ribbon duty at the opening. Photo/Pauline Carney
Te Puke's bypass is open "five months early and under budget".
New Zealand Transport Agency chief executive Geoff Dangerfield, whose department was responsible for building the 21km, four-lane motorway and hosting the opening last Thursday on the roadway, repeated that mantra several times, with Prime Minister John Key and TransportMinister Simon Bridges present to appreciate his message.
Mr Key took the chance to explain how he pulled rank on the younger local MP and cabinet minister and decided to open the Tauranga Eastern Link, which was started in November 2010 when Steven Joyce turned the first sod as transport minister.
Several people were lining up to claim the honour, Mr Key said.
With Mr Key was East Coast MP Anne Tolley, dressed in bright orange, contrasting to the grey business suits.
Mr Key also mentioned "Rotorua MP Todd McClay, as promised"- who had to stay in Wellington and "mind the shop".
The visitors were welcomed by a group of local Maori elders, including Pouroto Ngaropo whose delivery drew praise from Mr Key because he translated as he wove his story.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was arranged about 30m up the road from the marquee, but it was a moveable affair.
Two project engineers involved in the four-and-a-half year build, Andrew Scott and Wayne Troughton held the ribbon while Mr Key wielded the scissors.
While there was no brass plaque to unveil due to earlier uncertainty over who would be conducting the official opening, the engineers said it was possible a plaque would be cast later and attached to one of the seven bridges along the route.
A highlight ofthe official opening was the arrival of about 100 vintage and classic cars from the Tauranga car club.
VIP guests, Prime Minister John Key and Tapuika elder Pouroto Ngaropo at the opening. Photo/Pauline Carney
The drivers invited guests aboard to share their first trip down to the Paengaroa roundabout - the biggest in NZ - and back.
On Saturday, everybody had the chance to bike, walk, skate or just wander along the new road of national significance.
