Vital link to Waitangi safer after major works

One of two roads leading to Waitangi Treaty Grounds is now safer for locals and visitors thanks to major improvements.

Iwi leaders, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, Kahika Moko Tepania, Far North councillors, trustees of the Waitangi National Trust, and other dignitaries gathered yesterday morning for a ceremony to reopen a 3.2 kilometre stretch of Haruru Falls Road.

At the dawn gathering, Minister Jones declared the newly sealed section of road open again. Teams from Ventia were praised for completing the project in just three months, in time for Waitangi Day commemorations this week, when thousands of visitors are expected in the area.

Central government contributed $1.57 million to the project, with Far North District Council allocating $400,000 to seal from Tui Glen Road to just before Bayly Road. The work included water tabling and culvert replacement, road widening, and laying new aggregate for shape correction and strengthening the roadway.

Mayor Tepania acknowledged there was a lot more work to improve other unsealed roads in the district, but the completion of this project “shows what is possible when we come together as central and local government with key stakeholders including mana whenua and the Waitangi National Trust.”

Residents and permit holders can now use Haruru Falls Road as needed this week. Others driving to Waitangi events down State Highway 11 can turn left into the road, then travel as far as Bledisloe Domain for free parking and shuttles to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. 

Click here for more parking instructions during the Waitangi Day commemorations this week.