Our Roads & Transport 2024

Roads

OCTOBER 2024

IN NORTHLAND

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Let’s Talk About Tyre Maintenance

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our car tyres are the only part of your vehicle that make contact with the road, making them crucial for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Proper tyre maintenance can extend your safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you take care of your tyres.

Worn-out tread can lead to dangerous driving situations.

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1. Regularly Check Tyre Pressure

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is vital for safety and efficiency. Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor handling, increased wear, and higher fuel consumption, while overinflated tyres can cause a harsh ride and uneven wear.

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How to Check: Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge to check the pressure when the tyres are cold (before driving or after the car has been parked for a few hours) Recommended Pressure: Refer to your vehicle’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door for the recommended tyre pressure.

2. Inspect Tread Depth

Tread depth affects your car’s grip on the road, especially in wet conditions.

How to Measure: Use a tread depth gauge.

Legal Limit: Most regions require a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, but it’s safer to replace tyres when the tread depth reaches 3mm.

3. Rotate Your Tyres

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5. Inspect for Damage

Regularly inspect your tyres for cuts, punctures, cracks, and bulges. Driving on damaged tyres can be dangerous.

Rotating your tyres helps ensure even wear, which can extend their lifespan and improve performance.

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Frequency: Rotate your tyres every 8,000 to 13,000 kms or as recommended by your vehicles manufacturer.

Pattern: Follow the rotation pattern specified in your vehicle’s manual, typically front-to-back and side-toside.

4. Balance and Align Your Tyres

Unbalanced tyres can cause vibrations, while misaligned tyres can lead to uneven wear and poor handling.

• Balancing: Have your tyres balanced whenever you replace them or if you

notice vibrations.

Alignment: Check your wheel alignment annually or if you notice uneven tyre wear, your car pulling to one side, or steering issues.

What to Look For: Check the sidewalls and tread for any visible damage. If you find any, have the tyre inspected by a professional.

Repair or Replace: Small punctures in the tread area can often be repaired, but sidewall damage usually requires tyre replacement.

6. Avoid Overloading

Overloading your vehicle can put excessive stress on your tyres, leading to overheating and potential failure.

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Check Load Rating: Refer to your vehicle’s manual for the maximum load rating and ensure you do not exceed it.

7. Store Tyres Properly

Proper storage is essential to maintain their condition.

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Storage Tips: Store tyres in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Keep them upright if possible, or stack them horizontally if necessary.

Taking care of your car tyres is not just about extending their lifespan; it’s about ensuring your safety and enhancing your driving experience.

Regular checks and maintenance can prevent unexpected issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly. By following these tips, you can enjoy a safer, more efficient ride.

in northland 2024

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!

2024 has brought more settled weather to Northland which has made for improved moods and better conditions for getting outdoors. Critically, this means crews have made amazing progress on emergency works needed to get roads back up and running following damage from last year’s storms.

Road to recovery and more While most of the works are complete, the rain and washouts have had a lasting impact predominantly in the Kaipara and the Far North, where authorities have approved an infrastructure recovery plan. Good things take time, and communities can expect to see these repairs carried out between 2024 and 2027.

The government also placed the muchneeded expressway linking Auckland and Whangarei on its initial fast-track list. This four-lane highway will have significant economic advantages estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

The new road will make travel safer. The Safety Benefits of New Roads study by the AA Research Foundation found on average a 37% reduction in deaths and serious injuries following the building of a new road or bypass which incorporate modern safety

standards. That reduction was for crashes on new and old roads combined, compared to when there was just one road before.

By Tracey Rissetto AA Northland District chairperson

122,242 between 2022/23 and 2023/2024, we’re still likely to see more breath screening checkpoints.

AA has been a long-time campaigner for more alcohol screening, as well as drug testing which is set to be introduced by the end of the year, so it is extremely happy to see these moves from the Government.

Drivers should always be mindful of their speed and the environment they are travelling though. This is being made easier with warning signs being placed ahead of speed cameras around the country. Fixed cameras are in locations with a history of crashes or higher crash risk so warning sign reminders to check your speed are a welcome addition in these areas. They could save you from getting pinged if your speed has unintentionally crept up or worse, getting into an accident.

Enforcement A new approach to enforcement practices will soon result in some noticeable changes on the roads. The Government has set a new goal for Police to do 3.3 million breath tests a year (up from 3 million) to deter and catch drink drivers. While Northland’s test rates have nearly doubled from 65,659 to

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Keeping a cool head The construction season has started and that means workers are out fixing our roads. These are essential works and people using the road should allow for extra travel time, follow the instructions of traffic management, and obey temporary speed limits.

Northland’s roads are among the worst in the country and it’s critical the people carrying out this work are allowed to do so safely and in peace. Please treat those maintaining and making our roads safer with respect.

Driver licensing access on the up Getting a licence is becoming easier for people in some of our rural areas. Blue Light’s Youth Driver Navigator Programme in Dargaville has increased the volume of test bookings in Kaipara. It will soon be expanding into Whangarei.

The AA is pleased these initiatives are enabling people to get a licence so they can drive for work, access education and training, and simply be able to visit friends, family or go to the shops or the beach. NZTA is leading a similar initiative in the Far North. Nearly 3,000 tests have been conducted using community testing officers over the last two years, with a combined pass rate of over 95% for both Restricted and Full licences.

Driving is the most dangerous activity most people do each day. Give yourself and other road users the best chance of getting home safely by driving to the conditions, wearing your seatbelts and being patient.

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BUMPER ROAD MAINTENANCE SEASON FOR TE TAI TOKERAU NORTHLAND

Road reconstruction and other works at one of the critical slip sites in the Mangamuka Gorge.

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orthland’s largest ever road rebuild programme got underway last month, with plenty more work ahead.

This significant rebuild programme is being undertaken alongside a large number of resealing and resurfacing sites across the region, and is on top of the regular maintenance of the network.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations Jacqui Hori-Hoult says NZTA is planning to renew approximately 210.5 lane kilometres of state highway across Northland.

“This significant additional investment means people can expect to see a lot more activity across the state highway network, especially during the peak of summer, when warmer temperatures and dry air help new seal stick to the road, ensuring a quality finish.

“We are working at pace to deliver a state highway network that people can count on to get them where they want to go safely and more efficiently, and that supports Northland’s economic growth.

“This will mean your journey might take a little longer, so please plan ahead using the NZTA Journey Planner (journeys.nzta.govt. nz) for the latest travel information, including road works sites,” says Ms Hori-Hoult.

To support delivery of the region’s significant road rebuilding programme over the next three years, NZTA has packaged up some of the work for procurement through the open market.

This has enabled smaller suppliers to engage directly with NZTA, and tested concepts that will be further developed in NZTA’s future road maintenance delivery model.

resurfacing sites for Northland this summer include SH14 Fudge Farm, where rebuild work kicked off last month.

Overnight resurfacing works on SH1 Whangarei Central (Wilson Ave to Cheviot St and Kensington Ave to Central Ave) got

The bumper summer maintenance work programme is being funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

NZTA prioritises road safety, reducing disruption and minimising future costs by targeting areas with the greatest needs, focusing on high risk and high traffic volume areas.

As always, our programme is subject to change based on weather and other factors, but some of the key road rebuild and Road reconstruction work began on SH14 at Fudge Farm last month

underway this month, as well as enabling works on SH1 Otaika Road (Mount Pleasant Rd to the Whangarei isite Visitor Information Centre), ahead of road rebuild works in November.

in northland 2024 November will also see resurfacing works get underway on SH11 in Paihia and road rebuild work on SH1 at Hikurangi.

“Everyone has the right to return home safely to their whānau at the end of the day,” says Ms Hori-Hoult.

In the new year, rebuild and resurfacing work will take place on SH1 Kamo Bypass in January, followed by the rebuild of SH1 through the Kawakawa township during February and March.

Mangamuka Gorge

NZTA is working to minimise disruptions to road users by making changes to the way we do traffic management, including programming work at night or during off-peak hours and pausing non-essential work on public holidays.

All work sites will close from Friday 20 December 2024 to Monday 6 January 2025 to help alleviate holiday congestion.

Motorists are urged to watch out for road workers, adhere to temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions when driving through worksites.

Work at Mangamuka Gorge continues at pace, with many of the 36 slip sites in the final stages of repair, and the road set to reopen in time for Christmas.

The Gorge was closed for the second time in two years in August 2022, due to significant slip damage caused by severe weather. Weather events throughout 2023 resulted in additional slips within the site area, as well as further complicating repairs on existing slip sites.

“Our team knows how important this route is to locals and holiday makers alike and has put in a massive effort to get to this point,” says Ms Hori-Hoult.

“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.

“On Friday 11 October, the team completed piling for all critical slips, installing 1,337 piles as part of the repair. We also recently celebrated reaching 500,000 hours onsite since we began work in February last year – a massive milestone,” says Ms Hori-Hoult.

“Please be patient with our crews as they set up and pack down worksites. Overtaking working vehicles can be dangerous for both workers and other drivers.

“While some repairs will continue after the road has reopened, we’re thrilled to be able to reopen Mangamuka Gorge in time for the busy Christmas holiday.”

Patch repairs underway on SH12 Waipoua Forest in August.

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NORTHLAND PIONEERS NEW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO ENHANCE DRIVER SAFETY

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groundbreaking traffic management system is currently being trialled on Northland roads, promising significant improvements in roadworkers and road user safety. This trial follows NZ Transport Agency publishing new guidance to improve safety at work sites. The New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM) is a primarily risk-based system designed to align traffic management practices with the Health & Safety at Work Act.

“We assess the risks involved in each task and location, then implement the necessary controls to manage traffic accordingly,” explains Fulton Hogan’s Northland Regional Manager, Mark Bond.

NZGTTM offers greater flexibility compared to the traditional Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (CoPTTM), allowing for the deployment of only essential traffic controls. This approach not only reduces the need for excessive equipment,

such as a sea of cones, but also minimises, and in some cases eliminates, delays for drivers.

“This pilot is being rolled out across the country, tailoring temporary traffic management to specific tasks,” Mark adds.

“For instance, our cyclic maintenance team can now operate alone if it’s deemed safe.

Previously, such tasks required a ‘rolling block’ with two trucks driving slowly in either direction, creating a buffer zone for the crew.”

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

Under the new system, the actual risks are assessed more accurately. For example, if a task involves walking along a grass verge, the team can now park safely and proceed without disrupting traffic or compromising safety. This is just one example of how traffic management is evolving under NZGTTM, with full controls still applied when necessary.

For tasks like filling potholes, the benefits are even more pronounced. Crews can now complete the job with just one truck and no road cones, working during safe gaps in traffic. This streamlined process allows maintenance crews to complete up to 25-30 jobs per hour, compared to the previous average of 10, saving both time and money.

For larger projects, the team still pauses to reassess risks, ensuring safety remains the top priority. If the necessary resources aren’t available to complete a job safely, it’s

in northland 2024

put on hold until they are. Northland has been fortunate to have a supportive client in the NZTA , allowing for the testing and refinement of this new system.

Four regions in New Zealand—Northland, Manawatu, North Canterbury, and

Marlborough—have participated in the pilot on their NZTA Highway Maintenance Contracts. Northland stands out as the only region to have fully adopted the risk-based approach to temporary traffic management as part of its State Highway Maintenance contract.

RIDE WITH FAR NORTH LINK – YOUR COMMUNITY BUS SERVICE!

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or the Kaitaia community and surrounding areas, public transport has never been easier! The Far North Link bus service, operated by CBEC and supported by the Northland Regional Council, offers an affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly way to get around.

What’s New? We’ve updated our bus timetable to better suit your schedule, whether you’re heading to work, the beach, or shopping. New bus shelters at key locations around town offer weather protection and include shorter bench seating to accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs, ensuring easy access for all.

Far North Link makes it simple to reach important places around town. Each stop is conveniently located near popular spots like the library, parks, the local supermarket, and the newly opened Te Hiku Sports Hub. New Look for Our Buses Our fleet of buses now features fresh new designs, showcasing stunning images of our local beaches and key destinations. Ride with Far North Link in comfort and style, surrounded by scenic views of the region.

A big thank you to Kaitaia Civil Construction 2015 Ltd, Hoskin Civil, T8 Traffic Management, RTL, Northland Regional Council, QED Systems, Cliff and John Wallace, and Morgan Harris Builders for making our new bus shelters possible. Your efforts have enhanced the public transport experience.

Why Choose Far North Link?

• Affordable: Budget-friendly fares make it easy for everyone to use the service.

• Eco-friendly: Reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment by taking the bus.

• Accessible: With stops throughout Kaitaia and surrounding areas, it’s simple to get where you need to go.

Plan your journey today!

Check out our updated timetable and start riding with Far North Link. Pick up a copy from local businesses like Te Ahu iSite Centre, Kaitaia Hospital, Te Hiku Sports Hub, or find it online.

Let’s travel together—see you on the bus!

Extensive planning has gone into preparing for the 2024/2025 construction season during the pilot phase, ensuring that all traffic management measures are approved and ready to implement. This means crews can hit the ground running, enhancing efficiency and safety on Northland roads.

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8 www.northernadvocate.co.nz

Thursday, October 31, 2024

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ROADING INVESTMENT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO DO THINGS RIGHT, THE NORTHLAND WAY

By Kylie Bourke, chair, Civil Contractors New Zealand – Northland Branch

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he government’s decision to invest $991 million in Northland roading and transport as part of its 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme is fantastic news for our region.

Anybody driving Northland roads knows they need some love, and the jobs this investment will create are welcome at a time some people are doing it tough.

The funding will drive a big increase in road repair, preventative maintenance and rehabilitation work, while also supporting major roading projects in our region.

There won’t be many places we drive this summer that won’t see some sort of road improvement happening.

One of the most exciting major projects on the horizon is the four-lane Northern Expressway from Warkworth to Whangārei. It’s a multi-stage and multi-year project that will improve the resilience our region’s highway network and reduce travel times to and from Auckland, all while pumping millions into the economy and sustaining hundreds of jobs for locals throughout its construction.

When the road renewal and Northern Expressway work kick off they will be a force for good, but as I and others in the infrastructure industry have been saying for some time, it’s also vital to have a pipeline of work beforehand, as well as long after these projects finish.

Kylie Bourke This is critical to ensure our civil construction industry retains the good people it needs to deliver infrastructure projects of all sizes in the cost effective and timely manner communities deserve.

Ours is a region where work volumes can be lumpy, due to the fickle nature of our region’s weather and the equally fickle nature of politicians, elections and three-year funding cycles. We can’t yet control the weather, but overseas examples suggest more could be done to provide certainty around upcoming projects and improve the way they are procured.

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Price is always important when councils and government agencies call for tenders, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration.

Companies bidding to do the work should also be assessed on other factors, including the local employment and training opportunities they can provide, their ability to manage environmental impacts, the way

Building the Far North - Reliability, quality, and innovation in roading, building, and civil construction.

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in northland 2024

they engage with the community, and the durability and longevity of their proposed approach. Let’s look at value for money, not lowest cost.

Engaging contractors early and scheduling roadworks to spread the work leads to less disruption for communities. Providing flexibility also reduces costs for ratepayers and taxpayers – if a company isn’t having to pay staff double for weekend work, hire extra machinery because it is operating beyond its usual capacity, or fly people in to ‘surge’ its workforce at crunch times, costs will be lower.

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With big projects on the horizon, now is also the time for infrastructure companies, councils and central government to invest in training initiatives to provide Northlanders with valuable skills and build our region’s road construction and maintenance expertise.

We would dearly love to provide high school seniors and other career seekers with more opportunities to meet with local contractors and gain some first-hand experience on worksites. That’s how I got inspired – sitting on my dad’s bulldozer as a child.

their work, so let’s show the same respect to the guys and girls working on our roads by saying hi or giving a friendly wave when we see them out doing their jobs in all weather, even if it does mean stopping for a few moments.

As an industry we have been keen to get more school leavers into civil construction and we are talking with local officers of the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Education around ways we can help make the pathway easier. It’s clear we need hundreds more workers in the years ahead.

Lastly, when the summer network repairs, road renewals and Northern Expressway construction are underway, our roadworkers need the public’s support.

They are fathers, mothers, uncles, friends and cousins themselves and we are all on the same team, trying to make a lasting and positive difference to life in our beautiful part of Aotearoa.

We wouldn’t hire a painter or builder at home and yell abuse at them while they did

INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THREE MILE BUSH UPGRADE A GODSEND FOR MOTORISTS

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s motorists, we’ve all experienced the frustration of roadworks that never seem to end or, worse still, start up again just when you think they’re finished.

To avoid this type of disruption, Whangarei District Council have adopted an integrated approach to the upgrade of the Three Mile Bush Road corridor.

This forward-looking project will deliver critical improvements to not only transport infrastructure – addressing long-standing congestion and safety concerns particularly in the busy Kamo region – but to water supply.

The result will lay the groundwork for the fast-growing Whangarei region’s ongoing development, equipping it with safer, more resilient, and more sustainable infrastructure.

The region continues to grow at a record pace as people migrate from Auckland and other urban centres in search of more affordable housing and a more enjoyable lifestyle.

The Council has based the program on community feedback to support its vision for a safer, more sustainable community with infrastructure delivered in anticipation of need.

To complete the $4 million water infrastructure component, the Council has engaged Ventia – the region’s largest and most experienced infrastructure services provider – to implement a holistic, masterplanned approach.

Ventia is providing the critical infrastructure required to sustainably meet Whangarei’s growing demand for water.

With the construction of new reservoirs and a modern pump station, the project will secure the region’s water supply for future generations.

Ventia will upgrade 2.5 kilometres of pipeline, linking the new facilities to the existing water network in the most sustainable way.

The integration of smart systems will optimise water use, prevent wastage, and ensure the sustainability of the area’s water resources.

Ventia’s General Manager for Transport NZ Jonathon Doggett said the Three Mile Bush Road watermain upgrade reflected Ventia’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that improve community safety and enhance essential infrastructure for future generations.

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NORTHLAND SADD STUDENTS BAND TOGETHER TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving) is a youth-led, peer to peer education programme which focuses on positive messaging and strategies for young road users.

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outh are overrepresented in the number of fatalities and serious injuries on New Zealand roads. As of Dec 2023, there were 341 fatalities, of which 120 of them were younger people aged 15-30 years old and represents 35% of the total fatalities, still far too many young people unnecessarily dying on our roads in preventable crashes. (Ministry of Transport website). We need to be working together to educate our youth about adopting safer road user behaviours.

summer months on our roads, and take part in a nationwide youth movement to start a culture of safe decision making and peer support.

Here are some activities that took place in Northland: Tauraroa Area School recently held an exhilarating music night to raise funds for SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving). The evening was filled with incredible performances from talented students, including members of the school’s active SADD group. Kendall Hucker, the group’s leader, along with co-leader Lily Johns, both played key roles in ensuring the event’s success.

Last month we ran our road safety campaign, SAFER September, which is an opportunity to celebrate youth voice, engage in activities ahead of the dangerous

Taipa Area School SADD group organised an exciting tyre changing competition for SAFER September. This event aimed to teach students the essential skill of changing a tyre while promoting road safety awareness. The SADD group collaborated with local mechanics who volunteered their time to demonstrate the correct techniques for changing a tyre. They also provided valuable tips on checking tyre tread and assessing tyre condition—key factors in ensuring vehicle safety.

The SADD group meticulously planned the event, securing permission from the school, arranging a car for use, and organising the format of the competition.

Their efforts resulted in a fantastic turnout, with many eager participants. The tyre changing competition proved to be a success, fostering practical skills and reinforcing the importance of road safety among students, helping to prepare them for responsible driving in the future.

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

The competition not only educated students but also added a fun, interactive element to the learning process, making it a memorable experience.

Within a framework of 4 key programme aspirations (Safe road users, Sharing our roads, Safe vehicles and Driver licence journey), SADD leaders are empowered to engage with their community to identify needs and deliver inspiring activities to enhance their peers’ awareness of road safety issues that affect them.

SADD empowers youth to be the voice for road safety and develops skills that help them transition from school to the workforce. We have a dedicated section on our website to help students understand the value of these skills for their future career and study opportunities.

promoting road safety, reminding everyone of the critical role awareness plays in saving lives. The event was a perfect mix of fun, talent, and advocacy, making a lasting impact on everyone present.

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

The performers wowed the audience with their incredible talents, as Lily and her band, ‘The Undisclosed,’ took to the stage, alongside several other student bands showcasing their extraordinary musical skills. The community turned out in great numbers to support the cause, enjoying a wonderful evening of entertainment and connection.

Kendall, who served as the MC for the night, took the opportunity to speak about SADD’s mission and the importance of

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in northland 2024

Bank Street, Whangarei in the 1900s. The horse and cart are opposite Smith and Browns site. Pix details that it was lent by Jack Bethell in 1980 to be included in the Drummond/Te Wake collection. Picture/Drummond/Te Wake collection #327

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The premises of H W James - coachbuilding, shoeing and general smith, Vine Street, Whangarei. The company later became James and Whimp. From left (with arms folded): W L Whimp, H W James, unknown, unknown, Arthur Alderton, unknown, unknown. Picture/Drummond/Te Wake supplementary collection #1436

THE PACKARD MOTOR MUSEUM

EARLY NORTHLAND ROADING

By Geraldine Craw

Throughout history roads have been an essential means of connecting people and resources. Northland has been no exception.

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nitially, the Northland landscape was traversed by Māori footpaths and trading routes. These paths were essential for the exchange of goods and cultural practices among Iwi. The establishment of European settlements prompted the construction of rudimentary roads to enable the passage of early mail coaches and other transport. The first significant road works began in the 1860s.

Early roads were often unsealed, built from local materials, and susceptible to erosion and weather damage.

The most notable early road was the Whangarei to Kawakawa route, established to connect the timber industry and agricultural lands to port facilities. The development of early roads played a crucial role in shaping Northland’s economy, facilitating the movement of goods and people.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Northland’s population grew, so did

the demand for better infrastructure. The introduction of the automobile further transformed road networks, leading to the gradual sealing and expansion of routes. The Northland Main Trunk Railway, completed in 1925, complemented the road network, enhancing connectivity within the region.

The first roads were built using horses pulling horse scoops. At the Packard Motor Museum, we have several examples of these early scoops and photos of them being used. One of our photos depicts the Old Russell Road being constructed using horse scoops. Later larger scoops were pulled by early tractors.

By the early 1930’s, with the development of the diesel engine, larger earth-moving scoops were pulled by bulldozers. In 1937, R G LeTourneau produced the first self-driving motor-scraper, named a Tournapull, making road building quicker and safer.

The Packard Museum has several examples of these self-driving motor-scrapers on display, including the early Tournapulls.

HORSING AROUND: Horses lined up outside the Kaitaia courthouse with the police residence in the background, circa 1916. Picture/Drummond/Te Wake collection

Vintage motor car, circa 1900. - - Picture/Drummond/Te Wake collection supplementary green cabinets

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