Scam alerts: we’ve seen an increase in scam texts and emails claiming to be from us, asking for payments.
Check our example scams or report a scam to us

NZTA App: our mobile app provides a simple and secure way to access your driver licence and vehicle information.
Learn more and download the NZTA app

Project introduction

The new Ōtaki to north of Levin highway will improve safety, reliability and efficiency for those moving around or through the Horowhenua District and lower North Island. The Crown-funded highway project is one of the original Roads of National Significance.

Subscribe to updates

What does subscribing mean? Please read our Privacy statement

 

Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway update – June 2025

The Ō2NL new highway project has been given the green like to proceed to construction marking a significant milestone towards a safer, more resilient, and efficient transport connection for the fast-growing Horowhenua and Greater Wellington region.

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Board has confirmed additional funding to ensure that the Ō2NL project will progress, including some features from the originally consented design.

As a result of the Board’s decision, the following elements of the project will be reinstated.

  • The new highway connection with Tararua Road in Levin will be a grade-separated interchange; 
  • The southern connection, near Taylors Road, will include a southbound onramp, allowing vehicles travelling south on the current SH1 to join the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway north of Ōtaki; and 
  • The local road at Manakau Heights will be connected across the new highway via a bridge. 

The Ō2NL project will deliver a more efficient, resilient and safer highway which is firmly focused on enabling future growth and development in one of New Zealand’s fastest growing districts.

The project team are working through developing the final design of the new highway, with the above elements included, ahead of starting construction in Spring this year.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated as the design is finalised.

Ō2NL updated design – May 2025

Since the RMA consents for the Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway were granted in December and the Notice of Requirement confirmed, we’ve been working to develop the design of the new highway.

In May, we held 5 community drop-in sessions to share the updated design. Across the sessions we spoke to around 500 people who were interested to understand more about the updated design and provide their feedback.

The May updated design took into consideration a range of aspects, including a greater understanding of ground conditions, and anticipated construction costs, while ensuring that project objectives were achieved.

Information from the drop-in sessions are available online:

Take a look at our information boards to find out more about the new highway [PDF, 7.2 MB]

Watch the fly-through video (May 2025)(external link)

Updated design brochure (May 2025) [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Ōtaki to north of Levin updated map (May 2025) [PDF, 33 MB]

Building a safer, more reliable State Highway 1 from Ōtaki to north of Levin

NZTA, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga are working together to create a positive legacy for the region while we build a new, safer and more reliable State Highway 1 from Ōtaki to north of Levin.

The new four-lane 24km highway will dramatically improve safety, improve resilience and provide better access to walking and cycling facilities for those moving around or through the Horowhenua District and lower North Island.

During the last five years, 72 people have died or been seriously injured along the route, making it one of the country’s most dangerous sections of road to drive.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2029.

Ō2NL alliance partners

NZTA has now signed two interim project alliance agreements with the two alliances who will support the ongoing development and delivery of the new highway.

Each alliance will each deliver a section of the road and associated works.

South of the Ohau river we will be working with alliance partners Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor. The northern section of the new highway and associated works will be delivered through an alliance with Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon.

Details are in our media release:

Another major milestone for Ōtaki to north of Levin as alliances formed

Ō2NL project videos

In our new project videos, hear from project partners about what the new highway and shared user path will bring to the region, the positive legacy it will leave, and the partnership approach in delivering the project.

Project outcomes

Creating an enduring legacy

Mana whenua insights

Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway fly through May 2025

Safer roads and safe speeds

While we work to deliver the new highway, we’re working to make the existing State Highway 1 and State Highway 57 safer now. We’ve implemented safer speeds and continue install safety improvements to the existing roads. You can find out more on the Existing highways – safety and speed page:

Existing highways – safety and speed