28 May 2026
Gisborne District Council has welcomed the Government’s confirmation of $75 million for resilience upgrades on State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge.
The funding was announced today as part of Budget 2026 and the Government’s wider $400 million package of state highway resilience projects.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz says the announcement is a significant and positive step for Tairāwhiti, Eastern Bay of Plenty and the wider East Coast.
“This is welcome news for our communities, businesses, freight operators and everyone who relies on this critical route,” says Mayor Stoltz.
“State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge is not just another road. It’s a lifeline connection for Tairāwhiti and the Eastern Bay of Plenty, supporting freight, access to services, emergency response, tourism and everyday travel.
“When the highway is closed or restricted, the impacts are felt immediately across our communities and economy. We have been strongly advocating for Government to recognise the importance of this corridor and invest in long-term resilience, not just ongoing repair after each event.”
The announcement follows recent joint advocacy from Gisborne District Council, Ōpōtiki District Council, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
In April, the councils wrote jointly to Transport Minister Chris Bishop seeking formal recognition of SH2 East Coast as nationally significant lifeline and freight infrastructure, and calling for accelerated investment in long-term resilience and reliability.
Mayor Stoltz also met with Minister Bishop last week to reinforce the need for practical resilience investment across the corridor.
“This investment shows the Government has heard the concerns being raised across the East Coast,” says Mayor Stoltz.
“We also acknowledge our neighbouring councils and regional partners for standing together on an issue that affects all of us.
“This has been a strong collective effort, backed by evidence, local experience and the voices of communities and businesses who know how important this route is.”
The Government has indicated the Waioweka Gorge resilience upgrades are likely to include slope stabilisation, rockfall protection, drainage improvements and targeted works at critical sites between Ōpōtiki and Matawai.
Mayor Stoltz says Council looks forward to working with the Government, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, neighbouring councils, iwi partners and key stakeholders as the final scope, design and delivery programme are developed.
“This funding will not remove every risk or prevent every closure, but it is an important move toward a more reliable and resilient corridor.
“Our focus now is on keeping momentum, ensuring the investment delivers practical outcomes, and continuing to advocate for the wider SH2 East Coast corridor, including the route south to Hawke’s Bay.
“This is about keeping people, goods and services moving, supporting our regional economy and making sure our communities are better connected and better prepared for the future.”