Express CONNECT – February 2018

• Kia ora
• Archaeology Open Day
• PP2Ō Bridges 2 and 3
• Construction update
• Ōtaki to north of Levin update

Kia ora

As construction ramps up so does engagement with our local communities. Regular Neighbourhood Group meetings are now being held in both Northern and Southern zones. These important sessions allow us to meet neighbours face-to-face and share construction plans; the conversations they generate help us to manage and minimise the effects of building the road to lessen the impact on people’s daily routine. These regular meetings are a good way for you to raise issues such as tight public transport connections during local road diversions, dust, vibration and other issues associated with construction.

From the Construction update below you’ll see how busy things are getting out there. It’s important if you experience problems with any PP2Ō works underway, to call us direct on our 0800 PP2O INFO (0800 7726 4636) number. Please use this number instead of emailing because we can respond to a phone call much more quickly, and deal with the problem as it is happening.

The recent Archaeology Open Day at Te Horo was a success and we also made the most of an opportunity to man an information booth at the new Kāpiti Farmers' Market. Both events were really busy and generated lots of good conversations.

Ngā mihi
Andy Goldie, Project Manager

Back to top

Archaeology Open Day

Old bottles, 19^th-Century pottery and a musket-ball mould possibly used in a battle between warring Māori tribes, had members of the public enthralled at the project’s Archaeology Open Day at Te Horo.

The open day was held at the site of the former Matenga Moroati Homestead which was one of several sites investigated last year ahead of project construction getting underway. During earthworks the PP2Ō project team has both an archaeologist and an iwi kaitiaki (representative) present whenever new ground is broken.

When anything is found, a buffer zone is created while investigations are undertaken.

At the open day, project archaeologist Emily Cunliffe explained how we approach the protection of sites of historical and cultural interest and how we study any artefacts found during earthworks.

She said archaeological finds could be something of human or ecological interest -- “When you dig a ditch it tells a story of how people used to live.”

Project kaiarahi (project iwi leader) Te Waari Carkeek talked about the history of the land and described how the area had been gifted to Ngāti Raukawa by Ngāti Toa Rangatira. He also talked of a battle with Te Āt Awa who had been encroaching on the area. Eventually, peace was brokered. A musket ball mould found by the archaeological dig could well date from the time of that battle.

The open day had special significance for Iraia Peni and his family, who previously owned the site. His great-great-great-great grandfather Moroati Kiharoa was noted as the principal rangatira (chief) of Ngāti Raukawa at Ōtaki. Kiharoa signed the Cook Strait (Henry Williams) sheet of the treaty of Waitangi on May 19 1840 at Ōtaki (this could either be Te Moroati Kiharoa or his father Kiharoa).

Only last year, the family discovered (their koro/ancestor) Te Moroati is resting at the Rangiatea Church Urupā in Ōtaki. He died in 1889 and on the headstone is a scriptural verse from the Book of Revelation 14:13. Iraia recited words from this verse as a karakia (prayer), when the handing-over ceremony of their land to the Crown took place in 2017, in peaceful recognition of the expressway being built.

Iraia said he was thankful the project team have demonstrated a huge amount of cultural sensitivity, consideration and respect for both the people and the land, reflected in the way that the negotiations and the works are being carried out.

“It has been a journey of self- discovery and roots enlightenment (whakapapa) and to be part of that continued good works fabric is truly a humbling emotion,” said Iraia.

Back to top

PP2Ō Bridges 2 and 3

Construction update from Bridges 2 and 3 provided by Ōtaki College Students.

Back to top

Construction update

North Zone (north of the Ōtaki River to Taylors Road)

Earthworks and construction of the abutments for Bridges 2 and 3 (north-west of the roundabout on Mill Road) are well underway. We’re building what’s called a Reinforced Earth Panel Wall – layers of reinforced structural fill are built up and then surrounded by pre-cast concrete panels produced at our Bridge Lodge site. The eastern footpath on SH1 in this area has been diverted – please follow the diversion signs that are in place and keep yourself safe.

Works in Pare-o-Matangi Reserve are also underway and the top terrace is closed to the public while we work on relocation of the railway line in this area.

Around Rāhui and Country Road, service relocation works (gas, power, telecoms, water etc.) continue. This work is due to be finished by the end of April ready for our structures team to begin work on the Rāhui Road Bridge. All local roads remain open during the service relocation work but traffic management will be in place at times. For everyone’s safety please slow down around the works and allow a little extra time for your journey.

South Zone (south of the Ōtaki River to Peka Peka)

Construction of the new Ōtaki River Bridge starts this month on the south bank. Over the next 20 months we’ll be working in and around the river bed to construct the bridge so you can expect to see people and machines in this area. The first job will start in the middle of February when you’ll see two or three large cranes on site. They will be drilling 24-metre deep holes (2.1 meters in diameter) for the bridge piles.

The public river walkway will remain open during construction of the new bridge but at times may need to be diverted.

We’ve introduced safety changes to the Ōtaki Gorge Road and State Highway 1 intersection. The speed limit on both roads has been reduced from 100km to 70km and safety hit-sticks (orange and white sticks placed on the road) have been introduced as traffic-calming measures.

For everyone’s safety please slow down around the works and give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination.

We’re also preparing for work on the new local roads that form part of this project. We’ll build the local roads first to keep people moving around the district and the first one to get started will be the Old Hautere Link Road. You can expect to see machines and earthworks starting up between Ōtaki Gorge Road and the north side of Old Hautere Road.

The focus for the rest of South Zone is still vegetation clearing, the final house removals and demolition work.

Ōtaki to north of Levin update

The NZ Transport Agency has released the shortlisted corridor options for the Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) project and is inviting public feedback to help refine a preferred route.

Until 9 March, the Ō2NL project pop-up shop at 183 Oxford Street, Levin will be open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am–4pm, and Thursday from 12pm–6pm. Feel free to drop in to speak to a member of the project team. No appointment is required.

The project team is also holding community information sessions at the venues and times below, or you can find out more about the project at www.nzta.govt.nz/O2NL

Community information sessions