Kia ora and welcome

Welcome to the Northland state highway maintenance roadworks update.

In this e-newsletter, we share updates on maintenance and renewal roadworks across the state highway network from Topuni all the way to Te Reinga Wairua (Cape Reinga).

This issue includes an update on the big summer works programme ahead and the national forward works programme interactive map.

Stay updated on road conditions before you travel at:  https://journeys.nzta.govt.nz/.

Ngā mihi nui,

The NZTA Northland/North Auckland team

Another big summer of highway renewals begins

With spring comes the start of another big season of road renewals across Northland. Between September 2025 and May 2026, we will renew around 204 lane kilometres of state highway.

“This summer marks the second year of the largest-ever investment in state highway maintenance for the region” says Jacqui Hori-Hoult, Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations.

We carry out renewal works in spring and summer to take advantage of warmer, drier weather. This ensures sealants set properly, surfaces last longer, and the work is more efficient.

This season’s programme includes:

• 25 lane km of major road rebuilds
• 8 lane km of resurfacing
• 171 lane km of resealing

You’ll see increased activity, particularly across SH1, SH10 and SH12, spanning the region from north of Woodhill and Warkworth to Te Reinga Wairua (Cape Reinga).

Key locations include:

• SH1 Towai, Akerama and Whakapara – multiple rebuilds
• SH10 Oromahoe – rebuild
• SH12 Dargaville and Paparoa – multiple rebuilds
• SH1 Brynderwyn Hills – resurfacing with two four-day full closures in November
• SH1 Uretiti and Waipu – resealing

Alongside various road rebuild sites, we’re also improving drainage systems. Better drainage helps remove excess water, protects the road foundation, and extends the lifespan of the new surface. These upgrades also reduce flood risks in low-lying areas.

Most work will be carried out at night or outside peak travel times to reduce disruption, but some full closures and stop/go traffic management will be necessary.

Northland’s state highways are vital for connecting communities, supporting local businesses and keeping freight moving.

“Northland’s roads face unique challenges, including heavy rainfall and the demands of high traffic volumes. 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” says Ms Hori-Hoult.

Thank you for your patience while we get this work done. For full programme details, visit the Northland state highway maintenance programme website.

National forward works interactive map

This interactive map shows state highways across the country we're rebuilding, resurfacing or resealing over this summer and the next two years.

This is part of the Government’s $2.07 billion investment in road and drainage renewals and maintenance between 2024 and 2027.

We’re using this funding to invest more in rebuilding state highways over the next three years – this means more disruptive roadworks in summer but better highways to drive on for years to come. Depending on where you travel, you'll already be travelling on rebuilt state highways following our similar volume of work last summer.

You might've seen roadworkers out on state highways already. With so much work to do they've been making the most of any fine weather to complete pre-seal repairs and start on the rebuild programme.

Roadworkers will do their best to minimise disruption – all you need to do is travel safely through their worksites. Follow any instructions roadworkers give you and slow down as you're travelling through roadworks.

This work takes place alongside our other programmes, such as large-scale infrastructure delivery and ongoing recovery works.