Around 98% of potholes on state highways are now being repaired within 24 hours of being identified each month, as the Government steps up efforts to improve road conditions across the country, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
It follows the introduction of targets in July 2024 for NZ Transport Agency contractors to repair 95% of potholes on main state highways and 85% of potholes on regional state highways within 24 hours of identification.
The Government introduced new performance requirements after public frustration over a sharp rise in potholes nationwide.
“Lifting productivity to help rebuild our economy and build New Zealand’s future remains a major focus for this Government, and accelerating pothole repairs and preventative work is essential to maintaining a safe, reliable state highway network that underpins that growth,” Bishop says.
To support the work, the Government has established a $3.9 billion Pothole Prevention Activity Class over three years, dedicated to resealing, rehabilitation and drainage maintenance.
“This ensures the funding is used solely for preventing potholes,” Bishop says.
“With roughly $2 billion allocated to state highways, NZTA has been delivering an extensive programme of work, including consistently high volumes of road rehabilitation, a process that rebuilds full road sections rather than relying on resealing alone.”
Over summer, the programme is supporting about 290 lane kilometres of rehabilitation work, a showing similar to last year, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of potholes forming.
“Over the summer, the Government’s Pothole Prevention Fund is supporting 290 lane kilometres of rehabilitation work, similar to the substantial amount completed last year. Keeping rehabilitation levels this high will significantly reduce the likelihood of potholes forming,” Bishop says.
Bishop says NZTA has met the 24-hour repair targets every month since they were introduced, helped by improved repair techniques.
“The improvements are clear. Since the targets came into effect, NZTA has consistently met them each month, supported by smarter repair techniques that make temporary fixes last longer until permanent work can be completed, instead of relying on simple cold-mix patches,” he says.
“Meeting these targets month after month shows how far we’ve come in addressing the pothole problem. New Zealanders can now travel more safely and smoothly, with fewer delays and hazards on the road.”
Bishop encouraged motorists to report potholes as soon as they are spotted.
“If you spot a pothole on the state highway network, please report it straight away by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49). With everyone’s help, potholes can be found and repaired as quickly as possible.”
The Government says pothole numbers tend to rise during wetter winter months, while reporting reconciliation has led to updated total figures since July 2024. The current summer maintenance programme began in October 2025 and is due to be completed by March 2026.
