NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is shifting into peak season for road maintenance, with full reconstructions kicking off across key Southland routes and a major renewal programme slated for Northland over spring and summer.
In Southland, drainage and digouts are already under way at five sites ahead of full rebuilds.
“Drainage and digouts have already started on five sites, as this needs to be completed before beginning road reconstruction,” says Justin Reid, maintenance contract manager for NZTA in Southland.
The full road reconstructions began on October 1, with warmer weather critical for sealing work, he says.
“Resurfacing of highways requires warmer air and road temperatures, so the Highways South team (on behalf of NZTA) will be reconstructing and resurfacing highways from now until the end of March as daylight hours increase.”
Reid says multiple crews will work concurrently to maximise the summer window.
“The public will see the team working on multiple sites at the same time to get as much completed in this weather window as possible. We know that road works can be disruptive for all road users and often residents too, but these are critical reconstruction projects which will improve everyone’s journeys long-term.”
Southland – full reconstructions due this season
- SH1 Bluff Highway between Clifton and Motu Rimu Rd
- SH1 Waipahi Highway, east of Pukerau
- SH93 Old Coach Rd (Slopedown School Rd to Hurst Rd)
- SH94 Te Anau–Mossburn Highway from The Key south, and another site north of Te Anau
- SH96 Winton–Hedgehope Highway at Browns; Winton–Wreys Bush Highway at Dunearn; Wreys Bush–Nightcaps Highway near Wreys Bush; Nightcaps–Ohai Highway near Ohai
- SH97 Mossburn–Five Rivers Rd near Five Rivers and near Acton
- SH99 Wallacetown–Lorneville Highway at Wallacetown
“NZTA and our Highways South crews appreciate the patience of our community,” Reid says. “Remember to stick to the temporary speed limit through these sites – this is there to protect road users, our crews, but also the new surface. Our teams will do their absolute best to get you through these sites with as little delay as possible.’’
Northland maintenance programme
In Northland, NZTA contractors will renew 204 lane kilometres of state highway this season — the second year of the region’s largest-ever maintenance investment.
“Northland’s state highways are crucial for connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and keeping freight moving efficiently, which is why we’re investing $258.6 million for state highway maintenance and pothole prevention, and an additional $3.5 million for managing road subsidence, between 2024 – 2027,” says Jacqui Hori-Hoult, regional manager of maintenance and operations.
From September to May (2025–26) the programme includes 25 lane kilometres of major rebuilds, eight lane kilometres of asphalt resurfacing and 171 lane kilometres of chipsealing across SH1, SH10 and SH12, stretching from north of Woodhill and Warkworth to Cape Reinga.
“The region’s roads face unique challenges, including heavy rainfall and the demands of high-volume traffic. By renewing the network, we strengthen road pavements, improve surface durability, and enhance overall network resilience, so Northlanders can travel safely and reliably year-round,” Hori-Hoult says.
Much of the work will run at night or outside peak periods, though short full closures will be used where needed to speed delivery — including two four-day “super weekends” to resurface SH1 Brynderwyn Hills on 13–16 and 20–23 November 2025. Other notable sites include rebuilds at Towai (July–November), Akerama (October–December), Oromahoe (October–November), multiple sections through Dargaville and Paparoa township.
NZTA says dates are weather-dependent and urges drivers to follow traffic management, expect temporary speed limits and check journey updates before travelling.
