As part of our Long Term Plan 2024 - 2034, we want to consider permanently closing Te Puna Station Road – What do you think?

CLOSED: Consultation has concluded. Please see key dates within the timeline for next steps.

The current picture

 In October 2022, storms caused significant damage to Te Puna Station Road. More storms in January 2023 worsened the situation, leading to the closure of a 600-metre section of the road. In May 2023, repairs allowed the road to be opened to pedestrians and cyclists only.

The changing landscape

Council has engaged with a range of stakeholders on this issue, including the community, iwi/hapū, ecologists and engineering experts. The conclusion is that there is no easy fix. 

Framing the future

There are ecological, ground stability and cultural considerations we need to be mindful of. 

An ecological assessment carried out has identified that construction works to reinstate the road would have temporary and permanent effects on the river, including sedimentation, injury to or loss of wildlife, and loss of native tree species. 

The land is adjacent to Pukewhanake, which is a historical Pā. The land at Pukewhanake has been heavily impacted by the construction of this part of Te Puna Station Road and the hapū see its closure as an opportunity to recognise the significance of Pukewhanake and to work with Council on this.

Ground stability issues are likely to continue with over slips and under slips on the road becoming more and more common. 

In addition, repairing the road would be very costly and there is no guarantee that it would be a permanent fix. As the frequency of extreme weather events increases it is likely that this road will continue to be impacted, resulting in significant ongoing costs to Council, and the community. 

We recognise that closing this road will predominantly impact the Te Puna community including the business park and Clarke Road residents. Council plans to address this through undertaking upgrades to the other roads in the area. 

There are three options: 

1. Our preferred option - Consider permanently closing Te Puna Station Road and relocate the shared path to the western side, away from the riverbank. This is the lowest cost option and removes the risk of future slips or existing slips becoming worse and further impacting access to the road which will be a cost to Council and risk to road users. The shared path would still allow access for pedestrians and cyclists. A formal process to close the road under the Local Government Act 1974 is required if this approach is progressed.  

• Cost: $1m* in Year One (2024/25).
• Impact on rates: No impact on rates, we will be using existing roading budget. This accounts for 1% of the 13.6% increase in year one.
• Impact on debt: No impact on debt over 10 years.
• Impact on levels of service: No impact on the wider level of service, but this will impact those living in and around Te Puna and regular users of this road. 

2. Reopen Te Puna Station Road to one way traffic (eastbound towards State Highway 2) and relocate the shared path to the western side, away from the riverbank. This option would allow traffic to travel east towards State Highway 2. There would be an ongoing maintenance cost of $50,000 per year with this option.  

3. Reopen Te Puna Station Road in both directions. This is the highest cost option and would require significant work to stabilise the riverbank. In addition, there would be an ongoing maintenance cost of $100,000 per year for major slips and repairs. There is no guarantee that this work will permanently provide access to the road and there is a residual risk that future weather events may impact access on an ongoing basis.