McDonald’s sought approval from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), which was granted on the condition right-turn bays were constructed at the SH2 intersection with Henry Rd and Marshall Rd.
The plan for the new McDonald’s restaurant on Henry Rd, Katikati. Image / Western Bay of Plenty District Council
An NZTA spokesperson said the annual average daily traffic on SH2 through Katikati was 11,892.
“Separating the turning traffic from the active lanes means through traffic can proceed without interruption and increasing road capacity overall.”
The spokesperson said construction could involve pavement resurfacing or pavement marking changes.
“These can be done over a short-term period and to coincide with low-traffic-volume periods to minimise inconvenience.”
Other proposed changes included extending the “no stopping lines” in the southbound direction to end at a bus stop between Sheffield St and Marshall Rd.
The spokesperson said the upgrades were funded by McDonald’s.
McDonald’s head of impact and communications Simon Kenny said the restaurant’s expected opening date was in 2027.
“We now move into the construction planning phase.”
He said McDonald’s opened three to six new restaurants a year in New Zealand.
Baywide Autos is a Katikati car dealer located opposite the new McDonald’s site.
Owner Ian Wood said any new business could benefit the town.
He said traffic could impact his business, but he had not yet seen any plans for roadworks.
Katikati-Waihī Beach ward councillor Rodney Joyce said community feedback had been split.
“McDonald’s as a brand has become a lightning rod for people regarding nutrition and financial concerns.”
Joyce said other feedback was the restaurant could create jobs and sponsor local sports competitions.
He said he was not concerned about the restaurant’s effect on traffic.
“Katikati is about to go through a growth spurt. There’s potential for Katikati to double in size.”
Joyce mentioned the Western Bay regional deal, which would consider the previously tabled Katikati Bypass.
He said one of the options proposed to fund the bypass was to develop more housing in Katikati.
Joyce said the new restaurant could bring more money into the town.
“All businesses face competition. If it brings more people into town, then it could have a good effect on businesses and increase competition.”
Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.