NZTA clarifies winter road closure warning after Northland concerns
A warning that some state highways could be 'proactively' closed this winter before bad weather hits sparked a flurry of concern from Northlanders.
However, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi [NZTA] has since clarified that the message mainly applied to the South Island.
NZTA posted a warning on its Northland

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scoop
14 hours ago
- Scoop
Road Closure For Lower Buller Gorge Culvert Replacement
A reminder from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) that a 48-hour road closure is planned for next week on State Highway 6 in the Lower Buller Gorge for a culvert replacement. The closure had earlier been planned for this week so that crews could complete the required work at Te Kuha, around 5km east of the intersection of State Highways 6 and 67. However the forecast weather conditions meant this was postponed and is now due to begin at 7am on Wednesday 11 June. NZTA will update if any further postponement is required. The existing culvert is to be replaced with a much larger capacity pipe, requiring a six-metre deep trench to be dug across the state highway. It is not possible to build an off-road detour around the site given the river's location. A two-day road closure avoids extended traffic disruption over several weeks if the work was completed using traditional stop-go traffic management. The timing also ensures the work is completed ahead of the worst of the winter weather. Motorists should plan ahead and make alternative arrangements where necessary. Motorists are also reminded that recovery work associated with recent heavy rain in the Lower Buller Gorge is ongoing, and they should allow up to an additional hour for travel between Inangahua Junction and Westport/The Cross Roads. Using Scoop for work? Scoop is free for personal use, but you'll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features. Join Pro Individual Find out more


Scoop
19 hours ago
- Scoop
CityLink, BusLink Fares To Increase From August
Prices will increase across Northland's public transport network from Friday 01 August with authorities saying they have been left with little choice in the matter. Northland Regional Council member Joe Carr, who chairs the Northland Regional Transport Committee, says fares on Whangārei's CityLink service will revert to their 2018 level of $3 for adults and $2 for children, an increase of $1 per journey on the present fares. Fares on the rural BusLink services will rise by 50 cents per journey from Friday 01 August. Infants up to four years of age will continue to travel free of charge. Concessions for Community Service Card and Gold Card holders remain in place for CityLink and BusLink routes. From 01 August these concessions will also apply for the first time to BusLink's Bream Bay Link and Hikurangi Link, which had not previously been able to offer these discounts. "Council recognises that cost of living pressures are impacting on Northlanders and has for many years made every effort to keep bus fares as low as possible," Chair Carr says. However, he says the council - which administers the services - had been left with very little option, but to review fares. "Regional councils nationwide are having to find additional forms of funding to cover bus operational, infrastructure and administration costs in keeping with the Government Policy on Land Transport 2024.". During Covid and to assist with the cost-of-living crisis, the government had funded several fare reduction schemes across the country, but this funding had ceased in 2023. Chair Carr says even with the increased fares, Northland's charges are still largely in line with other parts of New Zealand. He says over the past two years CityLink has also made several improvements to the service, including the introduction of the SchoolLink service and extension to Route 3, an online bus tracking system, and the Rose Street bus hub redevelopment currently underway with Whangarei District Council. The council will run an awareness campaign shortly to inform passengers of the intended increases.


Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
First Big Taste Of Winter Prompts Warning To Motorists
Potentially heavy snowfalls in the South Island have the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging motorists to exercise caution, especially at higher elevations, and to avoid travel where possible in hazardous conditions. Metservice says heavy snow is possible in Canterbury from tomorrow above 300m, or possibly lower, through until Thursday, with potential for travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines. Those planning to travel through SH73 Porters Pass to Otira (Arthurs Pass), SH7 Lewis Pass, or SH8 Burkes Pass to Twizel, are encouraged to check before setting off and plan for any potential disruption. With large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island being at higher elevations, NZTA System Manager Mark Pinner says motorists need to be prepared and to follow good winter driving habits. 'It's not just snow on the ground that is a potential hazard, it's heavy frosts and ice where the danger may not be as visible. People need to remember to adjust their speed to suit the conditions, to increase their following distances and use their headlights to be seen.' 'If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that's sensible. Stay up to date on the latest reports about the State Highway network by visiting our Journey Planner,' Mr Pinner says. 'We'll be getting the best advice from the Metservice on how the weather is likely to unfold, and we'll be doing our best to keep the highways open and safe for motorists through this cold snap. Being prepared with warm clothing, snacks and water and other supplies in case of delays is always a smart move.' Heavy rain is forecast to affect Fiordland, and Buller, Grey and Westland Districts between Karamea and Harihari tomorrow, and drivers in those areas are also urged to take care on the roads, plan ahead and be prepared.