Te Ahu a Turanga – Reconnecting Regions
The official opening of the Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway marks a significant milestone in New Zealand’s transport and infrastructure landscape. Spanning 11.5 km of state-of-the-art roading over the Ruahine Ranges, the new four-lane corridor re-establishes a vital link between Manawatū and the Tararua District, previously severed by the closure of the historic Manawatū Gorge.
But this isn’t just a roading project, it’s an economic enabler and community revival story, and one Cheal is proud to have been part of creating.
A Highway Built for More Than Just Traffic
Years in the making, the highway features cutting-edge design, extensive environmental rehabilitation, and deep partnership with iwi and local stakeholders.
Notable elements include:
- A 300m-long Parahaki Bridge spanning an active fault line
- Dedicated shared-use paths for cyclists and walkers
- Significant native replanting and wetland restoration
- A resilient, high-speed connection for freight and commuters alike
More importantly, the highway has restored the economic heartbeat of small towns like Woodville, which suffered heavily from the Gorge’s closure in 2017. With traffic now flowing through the region once more, local cafés, shops, and service providers are experiencing renewed business. According to recent reporting, some Woodville businesses have seen foot traffic increase dramatically, a testament to the transformative power of well-planned infrastructure, particularly with the creation of the shared user pathway. This shared user path provides an opportunity for walkers and/or cyclists to enjoy this scenic part of the country, with Woodville providing a destination for those wanting to have a day trip to stop for a coffee or a pie. Likewise, it will enable an opportunity for Woodville to grow, with an easy commute to Palmerston North for work or pleasure, helping to make Woodville a residential growth area.
What This Means for the Future
The re-opening of this corridor presents immense potential for growth in Tararua and the surrounding rural settlements. With land development, housing demand, and local business investment all poised to rise, the need for strategic planning and technical expertise will only grow.
At Cheal, we see an opportunity to support this next chapter. Our team of planners, surveyors, and engineers are already active across the Central North Island, and we’re exploring ways to extend our reach into these newly reconnected communities. Whether it’s supporting local councils, iwi initiatives, or private development, our focus is on building smart, sustainable regional futures.
A New Era of Regional Connectivity
Te Ahu a Turanga is a shining example of what happens when infrastructure meets long-term thinking. It reconnects people and places but also revives economies, restores hope, and reshapes how communities thrive. To read more about the Te Ahu a Turanga Project, visit the Waka Kotahi ANZT website here.
We’re excited by the possibilities this opens for our regions and look forward to being part of their story. Learn more about Cheal’s infrastructure planning services here.