Hauraki District Council Infrastructure Services Manager Adrian de Laborde praised the community’s patience and the fast turnaround from the contractors once the rehabilitation started in February 2025.
“There were a number of considerations that went into the planning of the work, particularly due to the timing of the flood event in May 2023. Being the beginning of winter, geotech work or construction couldn’t start so the road was closed. We used the time to explore two preliminary design options and costs; go with a full reinstatement or close the road with cul de sacs at each end."
Council gave the go ahead in March last year to go with a full reinstatement. Contractors were lined up and ready to go for this construction season and it all went very smoothly once work started.
De Laborde said that while the damage was significant, it was an opportunity to future-proof a vulnerable stretch of road. “We’ve taken this chance to build back stronger, with improved resilience against future severe weather events,” he said.
Above: Contractors and staff stand on the re-instated stretch of road on Golden Valley Road.