The Akerama Improvements project covered a section of State Highway 1 near Hukerenui, 35km north of Whangārei, from Barnes Road to Rusk Road. More passing lanes were built and tight corners were removed as part of the safety improvement work.
The Akerama Improvements project realigned State Highway 1 near Hukerenui, 35km north of Whangārei, adding passing lane capacity and reducing sharp curves between Barnes Road and Rusk Road.
Construction was completed in 2018. It included:
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency mitigated the environmental effects of the project by constructing a new wetland for the protection of native mud fish. Erosion and sediment controls were in place, and we worked in partnership with an ecologist and Northland Regional Council to ensure best practice during construction.
A pou placed at the site was carved by Shane Whatarau and represents Kahukuri, a tupuna of Ngāti Hau. The pou was crafted from totora found in the Akerama Forest and is wrapped in stylised steel mudfish and eels. A dawn blessing by Te Parawhau and Te Uriroroi, close relatives of Ngāti Hau, was held in July 2017.
