AUTOMOTIVE –, p , y feel confident about the work we’re doing No jargon No judgement Just genuine service Fleet managers - we see you too! If you’re looking for a reliable team to take care of your work vehicles, let’s talk We understand how important it is to keep your fleet moving and your team safe
t Kellys Automotive, we know that every car tells a story of school runs, beach trips, work commutes, and summer adventures That’s why, for over 20 years, our family-owned workshop on Herekino Street has been dedicated to keeping your family safe and your vehicles running smoothly
As Labour Weekend approaches, it’s the perfect time to book your Summer Safety Service Whether it’s your daily driver, your teen’s first runabout, or your parents’trusty wagon, we treat every vehicle with the same care and respect we’d give our own
We pride ourselves on being approachable, honest, and straight talk
From WOFs to diagnostics, hybrids to European performance, Kellys Automotive is your trusted local mechanic We’re not just fixing cars we’re looking after families Call us today or pop in to 14–16 Herekino Street, Whangārei. Let our family take care of yours. r eam liste explains, and makes sure you
service all makes and models and specialise in European, Electric and Hybrid vehicles.
SERVICES • Vehicle Servicing
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Breakdown Services
FOR NORTHLAND
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The team will be applying a full-width asphalt surface, reinstating lane markings and passing lanes, and returning the route to 80km/h, making journeys to and from Northland smoother
“The decision to fully close the road has been made with freight and the community in mind If we’d chosen to use stop/go traffic management, the works would’ve taken 12–14 weeks Compare that to a full closure, which allows work to be completed in 6–8 days,”Ms Hori-Hoult says
While SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills will be closed, Northland will remain accessible via three scenic alternative routes Check the NZTA Journey Planner before you travel (journeys nzta govt nz)
There will be major works on State Highway 1 (SH1), State Highway 10 (SH10) and State Highway 12 (SH12), spanning the region from north of Woodhill and Warkworth to Te Reinga Wairua (Cape Reinga) We have 25 lane kilometres of major road rebuilds, 8 lane kilometres of asphalt resurfacing and 171 lane kilometres of chipsealing underway until May
“NZTA schedules work during the spring and summer months to take advantage of warmer, drier weather ensuring a quality surface Water and pavements do not mix Our teams are carrying out pre-seal repairs in preparation for our work,”Ms Hori-Hoult says
“Road users will sometimes experience temporary full road closures to enable multiple teams to work at the same time We appreciate roadworks are inconvenient, but doing the work this way is more efficient and minimises disruption in the long term,” Ms Hori-Hoult says
Most work is undertaken at night or outside peak travel periods to reduce the impact on road users
Progress is also underway to fix an underslip that has reduced the Mangamuka Gorge down to one lane since late last month Enabling works are preparing the site for a new 48m retaining wall
The route will remain under 24/7 stop/go for the next 2 months for the safety for both motorists and workers at the site
The team will start construction of the permanent retaining wall in early January, which should be complete by late May 2026
“This is difficult terrain, and vulnerable to slips, but the recovery work we’ve been doing since the August 2022 weather event is paying off, with repairs on other slips standing up well,”Ms Hori-Hoult says
in Northland 2025
Maintenance work around the country will stop over the Christmas and New Years holiday period to ensure all roads, includes the Mangamuka gorge, are open for travellers.
“Motorists are urged to watch out for road workers and follow traffic management directions when driving through worksites
LIME MILLERS & BLUE METAL QUARRY OPERATORS
5 generations in quarrying, 4 in the Far North. Bellingham Quarries have been operating in the district since 1937, providing for the communities’ roading, concrete and drainage aggregate, agricultural lime and cartage needs
For supply, delivery or any enquiries give the team a call on 09 408 1340, or email bellingham.quarry@xtra.co.nz. You can also check out our website at bellinghamquarries.com
“As well as helping to keep everyone safe, temporary speed limits help protect the new road surface while it beds in, ensuring the success of our repairs and renewals.
“Please drive carefully and have a wonderful and safe summer on the roads”
Further information is available via Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website https://nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh-maintenanceprogramme/northland-state-highwaymaintenance-programme
Here is a rock spa l wall constructed at one of the slip sites in the Mangamuka Gorge after the Cyclone Tam weather event back in April 2025
NORTHLAND TRANSPORT INVESTMENT IS MORE THAN JUST TRAVEL TIME
By Kylie Bourke, chair,
e might complain about traffic cones and travel delays now and then, but most of us in Northland still appreciate the role roading and essential infrastructure plays in the connectedness and health of our region
along with construction of a new railway line to link Marsden Point to the region’s rail network, but so far, those discussions remain just talk
The boom-and-bust nature of infrastructure in Northland makes it difficult for companies to provide job certainty to their existing workforce, let alone grow and expand their teams When new large projects need to be done in future years, we need to have retained enough of our amazing local infrastructure workforce to be able to deliver them.
It’s scary to think that some New Zealand communities are only now starting to get the go ahead on infrastructure projects that were put on hold after the change of government in 2023. We have another national election looming next year, and there’s little guarantee that any change in Parliament won’t lead to a similar result then
One of the bright lights amidst the gloom
would benefit if it became standard practice across the whole Northland region
Councils could even go one step further and provide industry with more say in how works were scheduled, rather than the current practice of stipulating a start date, end date and prescribed dates for milestones along the way
This has huge potential to drive efficiencies as contractors would be able to propose scheduling work in ways that complement other projects they are working on, allowing them to utilise their workforce and skill base in the most efficient way With the right skillset on the right jobs at the right times, and less travel between sites, roading projects could be done more efficiently
It’s also worth remembering that lowest cost isn’t always best, especially if it leads to more disruption for communities or infrastructure that doesn’t last as long as it might have if more appropriate materials and processes were used
Procurement nationally tends to favour the
workers who are doing their best to deliver a project within a budget and timeframe that is sometimes exceedingly tight
As we head into the summer holiday travel period with less job security and more negativity around road workers than in some previous years, I hope we can all step back and see the bigger picture.
The guys and girls out there doing their best on the roads sometimes bear the brunt of the public’s frustration, and this hasn’t been helped by the current national obsession with road cones
Next time you see a worksite, remember those road cones are one of the few low-cost ways the public can be made aware there is a worksite and a change of road conditions ahead and they need to slow down to keep themselves and any workers who may be present safe
We’re all human, and many of those working on our roads are your neighbours, sports teammates or parents of children at the same school as your
Civil Contractors New Zealand – Northland Branch
in Northland 2025
SHOWING UP IN THE NORTH: NORTHLAND’S YOUTH LEAD THE WAY IN ROAD SAFETY
From Whangārei’s city streets to the rolling hills of the Far North, rangatahi across the region are proving that youth leadership and road safety go hand in hand 2025 has been a year full of energy, creativity, and collaboration for Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving) in Northland and the momentum is still building
At the heart of it all are the SADD workshops, which have been buzzing with enthusiasm. Held throughout the year across Northland schools, these interactive sessions give students the chance to build leadership skills, explore road safety topics, and take real action to create safer journeys for everyone With at least one workshop in each school that has a SADD group every term, they’ve become a cornerstone of youth-led road safety education in the region
That passion travelled south in April when thirteen students from Northland made their way to St Peter’s College in Cambridge for the 2025 SADD National Conference Over three days, they connected with rangatahi from across Aotearoa, joined masterclasses, and collaborated on designing their own road safety campaigns. The Northland crew brought strong leadership and ideas to the table leaving the conference inspired, empowered, and ready to make change happen back home
Collaboration has been a standout theme for Northland this year One creative highlight was the Cornhole Collaboration Project, where SADD students came together to design a road-safety-themed cornhole game Instead of one leader taking charge, the group worked collectively to design the finished product, which will now be used at community events and school activities It’s a fun, interactive tool that sparks conversation about road safety while showcasing the teamwork and innovation of Northland’s young people
May saw one of the biggest community moments of the year with Road Safety Week 2025, which brought Northlanders together in full force From free car seat checks in Raumanga, Onerahi, and Otangarei to the massive Hātea Heroes Loop Walk, the region turned out to celebrate and support safer roads Whangārei Girls’High School and Tauraroa Area School students joined the walk, connecting with local organisations and learning more about the collective effort behind road safety
The Hātea Heroes event has now become Northland’s largest Road Safety Week celebration, thanks to the incredible collaboration between Northland Road Safety Trust, Whangārei District Council, Northland Police, SADD, Plunkett, and community partners Together, they’re building a strong foundation of shared responsibility and the involvement of youth is adding a powerful new layer of connection.
At the centre of this youth-led momentum is Caitlin Knox, Northland’s 2025 Road Safety Champion and leader of the Whangārei Girls’High School SADD group Caitlin has revitalised her school’s programme after stepping up as its youngest-ever leader and inspiring others to join. Her recognition follows that of Kendall Hucker, another passionate SADD leader from Northland who earned the Road Safety Champion title in 2024. Having two consecutive champions from the region is a clear reflection of the dedication, creativity, and leadership emerging from Northland’s youth
“When I found myself as the only person left in the SADD group, I knew I had two choices: let it fade or rebuild,” Caitlin says “I chose to rebuild I reached out to students I thought would care about making a difference, organised meetings, and created a safe space where everyone felt welcome” Caitlin’s leadership has helped the Whangārei Girls’ High SADD group grow stronger than ever hosting awareness campaigns, running lunchtime activities, and sparking important conversations with peers. “It’s been awesome to see others get as passionate about road safety as I am,” she says “It’s not just about telling people to wear a seatbelt or not to drink and drive it’s about shifting the culture, starting conversations, and being the example”
Her story and Kendall’s before hers highlights how SADD is empowering young people to lead lasting change
Together, they represent a region that’s building a strong, youth-driven movement for safer roads
As 2025 continues, Northland’s SADD network is thriving powered by creativity, collaboration, and care From workshops to community events, these rangatahi are proving that when youth lead the way, safer roads are within reach for everyone.
For more information on the SADD programme and opportunities to get involved, check out www.sadd.org. nz and contact your local Programme Delivery Lead
If you want to talk about SADD/Kaitiaki o Ara or have a school or a group of young people who are interested in learning more simply call or email Kerry:
Kerry Campbell
SADD/Kaitiaki o Ara Programme Delivery Lead Upper North Island (Northland & Auckland) kerry@sadd.org.nz 022 319 6101
ROADS
PROGRESS AND PRIORITIES ON NORTHLAND’S ROADS
We are ending 2025 with some important points having been checked off our transport‘to do’list built on the back hard mahi over the last few years. We should all be pleased to see Northland Corridor plans taking shape, road maintenance efforts noticeably improving, and a bigger emphasis being put into traffic enforcement.
Northlanders can also look forward to the completion of the SH1 Loop Road Safety Improvements after nearly 9 years of work, and the final resurfacing of the Brynderwyns South Side which are both due for completion in November
Advocacy can come from unexpected corners, and I’d like to give a road safety shout out to the Northland and Canterbury rugby unions who partnered with New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and were supported by Northland Road Safety Trust and the Whangārei District Council Road Safety Team in an innovative seatbelt promotion.
When players took to the field wearing jerseys incorporating a seatbelt design during their September NPC clash, it was no coincidence that the teams represented Northland and Canterbury Travelling unrestrained is a killer with up to 30% of people who die on our roads being found not to be wearing their seatbelts – and our regions consistently register at the top of the list for seatbelt non-compliance
You have a 90% chance of serious injury if you’re not belted up and involved in a crash of 50km/h or faster Seatbelts save lives, and these special jerseys were a clever reminder that they are the fastest and easiest way to reduce your chances of death or serious injury
Road maintenance has been at the top of AA Members’concerns for several years and I’m pleased to see significant increases in funding for our highways and local roads Northland’s AA District Council is determined to ensure allocated funding is fully utilised and that progress on road safety, upgrades and repairs doesn’t stop Running through into 2026 we’ll be continuing our programme of stakeholder meetings, participating in transport industry
By Tracey Rissetto AA Northland District chairperson
groups and submitting on the next Land Transport Plan
Big projects like the Northland Corridor will have wide-reaching impacts on our economy, resilience, and safety, but we also need to remain focused on urgent safety improvements at a local level Issues like the crossing at the Otaika shops where there have several crashes including pedestrians
being stuck by vehicles and the outdated intersections joining State Highway 1near Waipu equally need our attention
Remember folks, getting behind the wheel is the most dangerous activity most of us undertake on a daily basis so please drive safely and considerately Here’s to looking forward to another big year for transport in our region!
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What
in Northland 2025
BUILDING CONNECTIONS ACROSS NORTHLAND
Northland is a region built on connection - from winding coastal roads that link small communities, to freight routes carrying the goods that fuel our economy. Transport is more than infrastructure here; it’s the network that keeps our people, products, and places moving.
Why Strong Connections Matter
For many Northlanders, roads are the lifeline between home, school, work, and healthcare Unlike larger centres with extensive public transport, most of us rely on private vehicles That makes safe, reliable routes vital to daily life and economic stability
WContinued investment in upgrading key routes, sealing rural roads, and strengthening bridges means more dependable journeys, reduced wear on vehicles, and better access for emergency and essential servicesparticularly during extreme weather events
e might complain about traffic cones and travel delays now and then, but most of us in Northland still appreciate the role roading and essential infrastructure plays in the connectedness and health of our region
Supporting Growth and Industry
Northland’s economy runs on movement
What is often less recognised, however, is the difference infrastructure projects make to our regional economy and the number of work opportunities available for Northland locals.
Our horticulture, forestry, and tourism sectors all depend on efficient transport to thrive Kiwifruit, avocados, citrus, and kumara reach markets across the country thanks to well-maintained freight links, while
Expanding Public and Active Transport
While cars and trucks dominate, Northland is seeing renewed focus on public and active transport. Expanded bus services in Whangārei and nearby towns provide affordable mobility, while community initiatives continue to grow cycling and walking opportunities
Pou
allthemselves and any workers who may be present safe
visitors exploring our coastlines and cultural sites rely on smooth, safe travel routes
We’re all human, and many of those working on our roads are your neighbours, sports teammates or parents of children at the same school as your own kids Let’s make the construction season less stressful and the holiday period a safe and enjoyable one for everyone
A strong transport network also helps attract new investment and business opportunities, as companies weigh up travel times, freight costs, and connections to ports, rail, and airports
Keeping the Region Connected
State Highway 1 remains the backbone of Northland’s transport system, connecting
Whangārei, Kawakawa, Kerikeri, and Kaitāia with Auckland and beyond Ongoing work to improve resilience and safety particularly around the Brynderwyn Hills and flood-prone areas is essential to keeping the region open and economically active
But connection is about more than one highway Local roads, bridges, and rural accessways are equally vital for supporting community life, freight, and tourism.
bringing
Looking Ahead
Future investment will focus on resilience, sustainability, and smarter mobility As Northland’s population and industries grow, demand for reliable transport will increase Working together - from local councils and hapū to central government and industry - will ensure networks evolve to meet the needs of both people and progress
The
Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail links the Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour,
tourism and wellbeing benefits to local communities
in Northland 2025
ALL TRUCK REPAIRS LTD / WHANGAREI COF’S
Established in 1998, All Truck Repairs has been a pillar in the Northland trucking industry, proudly owned and operated by Gary Crane Over the years, Gary’s visionary leadership has transformed our workshop into a thriving hub of expertise and diversified services that meet the evolving needs of our valued customers and their diesel trucks, trailers and motor homes
All your needs are under one roof, we are your go-to provider for all truck maintenance, repairs and servicing We pride ourselves on ensuring a reliable cost-effective service for every aspect of your vehicle’s journey
Our goal is to lead the trucking industry with innovation, customer care, and an unwavering
commitment to excellence, providing hasslefree, top-quality vehicle services that keep you on the road We are here to ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle
We are proud to say we are diverse and can look after any brand of truck Gary’s vision has not only built a successful workshop, but a community of professionals dedicated to excellence in all things truck repairs. Whether you’re a long-time customer or considering
Bus and Coach Charters Nationwide
our services for the first time, at All T Repairs you’re a valued member of extended family
Next door to All Truck Repairs, Gary op Whangarei COF’s in 2023 Gary’s vision provide Whangarei with an independe inspection facility to inspect vehicles a
Whangarei COF has 2 NZTA accredited COF inspectors working in conjunction together to
Gary Crane – eading North and’s trucking industry with nnovation,
THEGALLERYAND CAFEHELENABAY
Reopening
VISIT THE HELENA BAY CAFE & INDIAN EATERY
Come and enjoy our beautiful garden setting and stunning ocean view Relax with a cup of coffee, lunch or one of our many treats on the deck or our garden surrounded conservatory We serve breakfast, lunch, sweet treats and delicious Indian meals
Eat in or call in on your way home for takeaways Last orders at 5 30pm
Hours: Open 8.30am-6pm
One of the highlights of a visit to the Gallery and Cafe Helena Bay Hill is the beautiful garden setting You are welcome to wander and relax in the garden during your visit You’ll find many sculptures placed among the subtropical plantings, giving inspiration for your own landscaping ideas
The Gallery & Cafe are set in a lush subtropical garden with magnificent bush and sea views over Helena Bay on Northland’s east coast, on the scenic coastal route to historic Russell in the Bay of Islands We are situated approximately 30 minutes north of Whangarei and an hour from Russell You will find a warm welcome at the gallery and café where you are welcome to wander and relax in the beautiful garden during your visit We welcome enquiries about our artworks and visits to our Gallery, Cafe and garden
