Hastings District Council has completed a major Cyclone Gabrielle recovery rebuild of Kererū Road, delivering a safer, more resilient road designed to serve the community for decades to come.
The $5 million project, funded through the Government’s cyclone recovery programme via the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFF) began in October last year.
Contractors Tūpore have rebuilt four sections across about five kilometres of the road starting from Maraekākaho village, that suffered significant damage from the cyclone and subsequent weather events.
Kahuranaki Ward Councillor and Rural Community Board member, Elisha Milmine said the project’s completion marked an important milestone for the local community and the wider district.
“Kererū Road is a great example of how we’re using cyclone recovery funding not just to repair damaged infrastructure, but to rebuild it stronger and more resilient than before,” she said.
“The cyclone caused extensive pavement damage including rutting, flushing and potholes that affected the safety and reliability of this part of the road. The rebuild not only repairs that damage but significantly improves the road’s resilience for the future.
“This is a vital connection for local residents, businesses, school families and visitors, and we’re pleased to see this project finished and set to deliver long-term benefits for the community.”
The rebuild was designed to achieve a 25-year road life and included raising the road by an average of 250 millimetres, constructing new road foundations, shoulder widening, chip sealing and asphalt surfacing.
Significant drainage improvements were also completed to better manage stormwater and protect the road structure. These included upgraded roadside drains, larger stormwater pipes, improved pipe culvert crossings, reshaped roadside swales and drainage upgrades to property accessways.
A new kerb and channel system was installed near the Maraekākaho village and school to help reduce flooding in the area, while additional stormwater crossings were added at the lower end of the road to improve water management.
Throughout the project, the project team worked closely with the community, managing dust, traffic impacts and site activities to minimise disruption wherever possible, while committing to keeping the community updated along the way.
Council Director Infrastructure Delivery, Darren de Klerk said strong community involvement was critical to delivering a better outcome.
“This wasn’t a typical road rebuild – we worked closely with the community to minimise disruption and refine how the road performs, particularly around safety near the school, drainage, and making subtle improvements – learning a lot along the way,” said Mr de Klerk.
“Through weekly newsletter and regular community meetings we could respond to concerns as they came up and adjust both the design and how we staged the works.
“We’ve also taken the opportunity to improve the overall look and feel of the corridor, including working with a local landscaper on reinstatement planting to ensure the road sits well within the community.”
