Heavy congestion expected for funeral of Kīngi Tūheitia

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises road users to expect congestion on State Highway 1 (SH1) between Ngāruawāhia and Huntly this Thursday 5 September while mourners make their way to and from the burial of Kīngi Tūheitia.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledgement of the passing of the King: 

E te Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, moe mai rā, moe mai rā, kia au te moe 

Te hunga mate ki te hunga mate te hunga ora ki te hunga ora. 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises road users to expect congestion on State Highway 1 (SH1) between Ngāruawāhia and Huntly this Thursday 5 September while mourners make their way to and from the burial of Kīngi Tūheitia. 

There will be several local road closures and detours while mourners gather. 

• SH1H Great South Road in Ngāruawāhia will be closed between Market Street and Starr Road from 11:30am until 6pm.
• River Road will be closed from Duke Street through to SH1H Great South Road. The detour for River Road closure is via Duke Street and Kelm Road from 6am till 6pm.
• Old Taupiri Road will be closed at Galbraith Street between 9am till 6pm.
• SH1H Great South Road will be closed from the roundabout at the intersection of SH1B and SH1H Great South Road to the end of the passing lane into Huntly. There will be a detour from the Tainui Bridge traffic lights in Huntly via Riverview Road and Hakarimata Road to Ngāruawāhia.

Ngāruawāhia and the surrounding areas will continue to be heavily congested during this time. People are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for delays when travelling through the area.  

Those attending the tangihanga may like to consider using the passenger train being made available to transport attendees to and from the burial of Kīngi Tūheitia between Ngāruawāhia and Taupiri Maunga from temporary platforms. Temporary platforms will be located on Old Taupiri Road and at Taupiri Maunga. 

For up-to-date travel information please check the NZTA Journey Planner.

NZTA Journey Planner(external link)