A vital roading network that once could only be relied upon to flood during a Central Hawke’s Bay downpour has been transformed, opening economic opportunities for the district’s rural heartland.

The Pōrangahau and Wimbledon Roads can now be relied upon as a freight route to the Port of Napier, a pathway to dramatic scenery for a growing tourism trade, and a key to rural economic development, including for more than 13,000 hectares of Māori land. 

Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker said: "Pōrangahau Road, as a vital infrastructure link to a huge farming area including our largest concentration of Māori land, could not cope with the big trucks and weather impacts".

"In 2018, this critical route was closed by flooding for nearly a month, causing huge challenges for locals, commuters, and freight operators alike. This wasn't a new event - the road had flooded at least eight times over the previous two years, and many more times before that." 

"Now, thanks to a $20.1m investment by Kānoa, the Government's Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has been able to deliver long-needed improvements to the Pōrangahau and Wimbledon Roads, and in doing so unlock potential for local businesses, address access inequality, and anticipate growth in the forestry sector." 

Council, Government and Kānoa representatives had a look at the upgrades. Photo/Supplied. 

The investment by Kānoa represents three times Central Hawke's Bay District Council's annual rate-funded roading budget. Walker said it is a figure that gives insight into the scale of the works required. 

Major upgrades on this arterial route are close to completion, marking Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s delivery of 20 roading projects on time and on budget. 

Walker said it provides a model for future repairs and improvements across Central Hawke's Bay's badly rain-damaged network.

Last Friday, Walker along with Associate Minister for Transport and Local Government Kieran McAnulty, MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti Meka Whaitiri, Councillors, and Kānoa representatives took a bus trip along the route to see the new upgrades.

“I’m really pleased to see the work that has been done to upgrade Pōrangahau and Wimbledon Roads," McAnulty said. “These upgrades will make sure the region stays connected and will have a massive impact on the regional economy and community."

MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti Meka Whaitiri (left) and Associate Minister for Transport and Local Government Kieran McAnulty. Photo/Supplied.

"As the local MP, I know how important this route is for Central Hawke’s Bay. It was a great day when the Government backed the region by funding the upgrade. It’s an even better day now the upgrades are completed. A huge congratulations to the local crews – from the Council to contractors – for completing this job.”

The upgrades include bridge strengthening, road elevation, waterway and safety improvements, and a new slow vehicle bay on Pōrangahau Road. 

Of the 344 people employed on the Pōrangahau and Wimbledon Roads upgrade projects, 95 per cent were Hawke’s Bay locals and 241 of these positions were full-time.

"This work was not just about roads and our economy, but also people. These projects have boosted local employment and have had a positive impact on people’s lives. The upgraded Pōrangahau and Wimbledon Roads will make a difference in lives for generations to come," Walker said. 

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