The improvements will be of particular significance for Te Karaka residents, who suffered severe flooding during Cyclone Gabrielle when water breached the stopbanks of the Waipaoa River.
In the early hours of February 14, 2023, around 500 residents evacuated to the surrounding hills, watching as the floodwaters overtook their homes, workplaces and marae.
Pimia Wehi, kaitiaki of local iwi Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, earlier said working with Trec throughout the design process had been crucial in ensuring the upgrade met the community’s needs.
“This is a huge step forward for Te Karaka, Puha and Whatatutu.”
For Sunday’s official opening of the Hakanui Straight, a section of the highway will be closed from 6am to 7am, between Poynter Rd and Pitcher Rd.
“This is an exciting time for us all as [in] the past months we have seen work progress in a timely manner,” Wehi said in a Facebook post this week.
“We will walk the 850m straight on foot, and we will have transport available for our kaumatua who still want to be part of this significant day for us all.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said it was at the final stages of the Hakanui Straight flood resilience project, with crews sealing and preparing the road ahead of completion this week.
Traffic management will be in place during the closure on Sunday.
“Thank you to everyone travelling through this area for your patience as we complete this important work for the Tairāwhiti community,” NZTA said in an update.
The opening will be followed by breakfast at The Rangatira Tavern.
