Winter has arrived, bringing severe weather that has impacted roads across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato. Crews have been working hard to clear slips and fallen trees from state highways in the region, ensuring routes remain open and safe for travel. 

The winter maintenance programme continues next week, with 4 overnight closures on State Highway 29 (SH29) Kaimai Range from Sunday 15 to Thursday 19 June, between 8pm and 3.30am each night.  

Drainage remains a key focus during the wet winter months, as crews work to ensure culverts and drains across the state highway network can handle increased rainfall. Other routine maintenance taking place within the closures on the Waikato side includes sign maintenance, road marking and surface repairs.  

The full Kaimai Range closure also provides an ideal opportunity to remove a shipping container lodged in a slip several weeks ago and repair fencing at the same location.  

"We try to complete as much work as possible while the Kaimai Range is closed," says Andy Oakley, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for the Waikato.  

“SH29 is a vital freight route linking the Port of Tauranga to Waikato and Auckland, so keeping the road in top condition is a key priority,” Andy adds. 

On the Tauranga side, crews will carry out line marking, laying rumble strips and asphalt resurfacing near Tauriko. 

The closure points are at the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection in the Bay of Plenty and at the SH28/29 intersection in the Waikato.

SH29 Kaimai Range overnight closures in June(external link)

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and stay updated on road conditions.

Highway conditions(external link)

The Matariki moratorium weekend starts at midday on Thursday 19 June and goes through until midnight on Sunday 22 June meaning most work is halted on state highways around the country to ensure smooth holiday journeys for the long weekend. 

Waikato & Bay of Plenty State Highway Works June 2025 [PDF, 298 KB]