This $20.7m PGF funded project will widen and seal and provide safety improvements on three strategic roads in the Far North District; Ruapekapeka Road (4.7km), Peria Road (6.3km) and Ngapipito Road (5km). In addition to sealing, drainage, bridge and intersection improvements will improve safety and make the routes fit for purpose for all drivers at all times.

The delivery milestones required to achieve the dates set out in the funding applications are very tight and will require some accelerated processes and innovative delivery methods. To facilitate this, planning commenced immediately to identify any opportunities to start early pre-implementation works. 

The scope of work on Ruapekapeka Road is to seal from State Highway 1 at Towai to the Ruapekapeka Pā Battle Memorial site. This site has significant archaeological history. An archaeological assessment report has been commissioned and an Archaeological authority application was submitted to Heritage NZ. There are robust accidental discovery systems in place, including a detailed understanding of where the most likely sites are, to protect any finds. The 175th anniversary commemoration at the Pā in January 2021 has required increased consultation and planning to ensure delivery of key milestones before this event.