Regional Update - Tauranga Roading Network

Omokoroa/State Highway 2 Intersection – the intersection needs to be upgraded to meet the demands of the peninsula’s growth.  A full interchange is planned for the future, however a new interim roundabout, currently under construction, is expected to be in use for at least 10 years.

Takitimu North Link (TNL) Tauranga to Omokoroa – Stage One is underway, a four lane expressway between Takitimu Drive (near Fifteenth Avenue) and Te Puna, including a new bridge over Wairoa River and a full interchange at Minden.  Stage One will provide an alternative route between Tauranga City and Te Puna and is expected to be completed in 2028, while Stage Two will continue from Te Puna to Omokoroa, expected to begin construction in 2027.

Papamoa East Interchange - To unlock development at Pāpāmoa East and allow further growth at Golden Sands and Wairākei, a new full interchange will be constructed at the eastern end of Te Okuroa Drive, to provide access to and from the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) motorway. This interchange will enable faster car travel between neighbourhoods in Pāpāmoa East and Tauranga city centre, Mount Maunganui and Te Puke. It will also provide a connection to the Rangiuru Business Park once that is operational.  The intersection will be constructed across the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (SH2), east of the Wairākei neighbourhood, linking Te Okuroa Drive and future The Sands Avenue.  The eastbound off-ramp section of the interchange opened in late August 2025, with the full interchange expected to be completed in mid 2026, including on-ramps allowing traffic to go both east on State Highway 2 towards Whakatāne, and west to Mount Maunganui and Tauranga CBD. 

Tauriko Enabling Works – will improve safety at intersections of SH29 with Redwood Lane, Belk Road and Cambridge Road, enable housing development within Tauriko West, support further development of Tauriko Business Estate, protect freight routes and improve access to public transport.  Work on the new roundabout at the intersection of SH29 and Redwood Lane continues, with the underpass and Kaweroa Drive connection both on track to open late 2025/early 2026.

Katikati Bypass – will reduce congestion and heavy vehicle traffic through the main street.  This proposal no longer meets the threshold for NZTA funding and has been put on hold.