A long-awaited step forward is confirmed for the new four-lane state highway west of Tauranga, between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa, as applications for statutory approvals are lodged for Stage 2 of the Takitimu North Link project under the Fast-track Approvals Act, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi confirms.

This comes as contracts are being awarded for design of this Road of National Significance, and work is underway to refine the design where Stage 1 and 2 meet at Te Puna, helping align both stages and reduce re-work under Stage 2.

“This moment represents the culmination of considerable mahi and tautoko (support) by many over recent years. We acknowledge the commitment and support from our stakeholders over the project’s history, as well as the clear need for improved reliability, resilience and safety on this stretch of State Highway 2,” said Susan Collins, NZTA Regional Manager System Design.

Existing State Highway 2 above Te Puna Quarry Road, facing east towards Te Puna

Stage 2 extends Takitimu North Link Stage 1, currently in construction between Tauranga and Te Puna, onwards to Ōmokoroa.

The project will improve reliability and resilience for those travelling through the Western Bay sub-region, particularly at Ōmokoroa, Whakamārama, Te Puna and Tauranga.

“Delivering a project of this size and scale comes with its challenges, from managing the sensitive coastal environment to landholdings and complex stormwater requirements.

“Reaching the pre-implementation phase is no small feat, with several structures and a major interchange to be designed for the proposed 7.1km four-lane state highway to be built.

“We are looking forward to working on the design with local authorities including Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and local hapū Pirirākau and Ngāti Taka, recognising the important role this infrastructure will have in the future prosperity of the region,” said Collins.

Existing State Highway 2 at Whakamārama, looking towards Ōmokoroa. Photo / NZTA Waka Kotahi

People passing through the area will see a programme of ground investigations beginning later this year, with key sites near Snodgrass, Ainsworth and Te Puna Quarry, and Munro roads, and near Te Puna Stream.

“Ngāti Taka hapū representatives have been working alongside NZTA Waka Kotahi on Takitimu North Link Stage 1 and developing Stage 2 for many years. This Kaupapa acknowledges our Mana and History, strengthens the relationships we have, and recognises the contribution and values we each bring to the table,” a Ngāti Taka hapū spokesperson said.

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – Our strength is not as an individual, but as a collective. We look forward to the next steps together.”

Existing State Highway 2 at Te Puna Quarry Road. Photo / NZTA Waka Kotahi

Tolling has been confirmed to support construction and maintenance costs, and funding for construction will be considered following further work in consenting and detailed design, which is currently in progress.

The Stage 2 (Te Puna to Ōmokoroa) project is a Road of National Significance project and is an extension of Stage 1 between Tauranga and Te Puna. It will include: 


a new 4-lane state highway with median and side barriers 
overbridge for local traffic at Plummers Point Road / Barrett Road 
overbridge for local traffic at Snodgrass Road / Te Puna Quarry Road 
grade separated interchange at SH2 / Ōmokoroa Road 
4 million cubic metres of earthworks 
ecological restoration areas
connection to the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 (currently in construction) 
existing SH2 highway retained as a local road

“Pirirākau has walked alongside NZTA Waka Kotahi for more than two decades in the planning of the Takitimu North Link. The corridor traverses our ancestral rohe, connecting the high-growth centres of Ōmokoroa and Tauranga, and enabling the broader western Bay of Plenty region to flourish,” a Pirirākau hapū spokesperson said.

“For Pirirākau, this whenua is not just land, it is imbued with whakapapa, kōrero tuku iho, and the legacy of our tūpuna. The corridor follows traditional routes that once connected our coastal kāinga to inland settlements and strategic pathways linking Pirirākau with our whanaunga in Waikato.

“All our lands in this area were unjustly confiscated by the Crown in 1863, following the battles of Pukehinahina and Te Ranga. Yet despite that history, we remain committed to advancing positive outcomes for our hapū and the wider community.”

“Through this project, we look forward to continuing our relationship with NZTA, building not just a road, but a future that acknowledges the past, respects our cultural identity, and supports the prosperity of all who call this place home.”

 Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

Find out more about the Takitimu North Link project here with Stage 2 maps here

The application documents are published online at fasttrack.govt.nz and the Fast-track approvals process is outlined here at Fast-track approvals process