Yesterday, 30th June, marked the official start of construction of the new four-lane Matakana link road.

A karakia and sod turning ceremony attended by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford and Ngati Manuhiri Settlement Trust chairman Mook Hohneck was held at the Warkworth Showgrounds to mark the occasion.

They were joined by around 100 community leaders, landowners, iwi representatives and members of the Wharehine construction team, who will build the road, as well as representatives from One Warkworth who have lobbied hard for the best outcomes for the community on this project.

Transport minister Phil Twyford said that as we build the great carriageways and arteries that connect our communities together, it is important to reflect on how important they are to our people, our economy and the safety of those who use the highways.

The $62 million project that will link Matakana Road and State Highway 1 includes an off-road walking and cycling path.

The government says the Matakana Link Road project will create up to 120 jobs.

It will be completed in two stages, with the first expected to be done by the end of next year.