Site Overview

The project is called Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass.

‘The bypass is a new 6km route from Uruti to Ahititi that avoids the existing steep, narrow and winding route over Mt Messenger on State Highway 3. It includes two bridges of approximately 125m and 30m length, and a 235m tunnel. The route will be lower and less steep than the existing road.’ (Source)

Stakeholders

• Ngāti Tama Iwi: Tangata whenua and traditional landowners.

• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

• The Alliance: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Downer, HEB Construction, Tonkin & Taylor, WSP

• Contractors: Tuāra Civil

• Sub-Contractors: Agri-Fencing Taranaki

Site Overview Resources

• Waka Kotahi-Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass Project Overview

• Map

• Overview booklet

Cultural Overview

This area of land was confiscated during the settling of Aotearoa New Zealand. It was returned to Ngāti Tama during a Treaty settlement in 2001. The iwi are descendants from the Tokomaru waka (one of the large waka that came in the '‘great migration’ of Māori to Aotearoa. Iwi of Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Mutunga shared this waka as well. Ngāti Tama were known historically to be the iwi that defended the northern Taranaki borders as ‘gatekeepers’. There are two main interests that the iwi hold in the project:

1. Cultural

2. Environmental

Each staff member will go through a cultural induction held by the iwi. Staff are required to attend. This is a one day wananga, held near Wai-Iti that goes over iwi history, values and roles and includes site visits around the rohe and to the worksite. Staff should dress comfortably and in outdoor clothing. Kai is provided for the day.

Health & Safety Overview

Staff are expected to maintain high levels of health and safety standards.