As the weather warms up, road crews across New Zealand are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. You’ll start to see more traffic management and more workers in hi-vis gear. That’s because warm, dry weather creates the perfect conditions for road maintenance. 

Sandra King, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Bay of Plenty System Manager says we’ve got a full season of maintenance work ready to begin. 

“Good weather gives us the best conditions to get this work done properly. When the ground is dry and temperatures are stable, we can deliver new roads and fresh seals that last.”  

Maintenance crews simply can’t complete these big jobs in winter. Cold, wet conditions stop asphalt from bonding properly and make it hard to consistently carry out work.  

"We know that sitting at a stop/go or crawling past cones isn't anyone's idea of fun, but your patience and speed through road work sites assists in the delivery of good work. Each job we finish now helps cut down on future disruptions and makes everyday travel safer and more reliable. " 

“Every crew out on the road is working hard to make your journeys safer, smoother and more efficient. Patience from drivers makes a huge difference for everyone,” says Mrs King. 

What really matters is how people behind the cones are treated.  

“Road workers often cop the brunt of driver frustration – from angry words to dangerous behaviour. They work through all sorts of challenging situations and weather, keeping our communities connected and improving driving conditions.”  

“Abuse doesn’t get the job done any faster. In fact, it only makes an already tough job harder. The men and women on the road are there to make sure your journey is safe. They’re people with families, working long hours often in the heat to improve our transport network.”  

“Road crews are members of our community too. Treating them with kindness and understanding helps everyone get home safely. They don’t deserve the abuse that sometimes happens on our roads” 

“Roadworks aren’t just about filling potholes or resurfacing asphalt. They’re about making sure you get where you need to go safely, whether it’s the daily commute, a summer road trip or a quick drive down to your local shops.” 

“A little patience goes a long way. Slow down, stay alert and remember that the people behind the cones are there to keep you safe,” says Mrs King. 

To find out more about the upcoming maintenance season sign up to receive your regional newsletter here:

Maintenance updates(external link)

Waikato & Bay of Plenty State Highway Works 12 September 2025 [PDF, 156 KB]