Construction is underway on a major interchange at Te Rangi tua nehe Minden. This set of 4 bridges will form the western interchange of the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project, located in Te Puna, Western Bay of Plenty.
Current works
During the 2025/26 construction season (September to April), the final upgrades to Minden Road will be completed, between the new bridge and Te Puna shops. This work includes:
- removing the bank on the western side of Minden Road
- installing a temporary footpath and changing pedestrian access
- excavating and constructing new road surfaces
- building permanent footpaths.
Expect stop/go lane closures at various phases. Completion is expected by autumn 2026.
Work continues offline (away from traffic) on the main Takitimu North Link expressway and the Minden Interchange, with the full project due for completion in 2028.
Western tie-in
The western tie-in point is located near Loop Road, where Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Takitimu North Link meet. We have been looking further at the connection between Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the project, and the design and construction sequencing.
Once Stage 1 opens, people travelling east from Whakamārama and Ōmokoroa will use the new Stage 1 road to reach the Minden Interchange. From there, they can:
- take the off-ramp to Minden Road, via Te Puna roundabout, and continue on existing SH2 (the free route), or
- stay on the Takitimu North Link expressway to SH29 Takitimu Drive, Tauranga — this route will be tolled.
As a result, the section of SH2 from Te Puna roundabout to Loop Road will become a no exit road, with the open Oturu Stream tributary crossing SH2 near the eastern end of Loop Road. A pedestrian bridge will be constructed to maintain access between Loop Road, I’Anson Reserve, and Te Puna Village. This no exit road will remain until Stage 2 is built.
Longer term, as part of Stage 2, a bridge will be constructed over the Oturu Stream, and the existing SH2 will be reconnected to reinstate through traffic. It will become the revoked local road, managed by Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
The Stage 1 project scope provides a new western intersection for SH2/Loop Road and closure of the existing eastern SH2/Loop road intersection. A summary of our engagement with Loop Road residents and the designs are available here:
View the proposed alignment for Stage 2 here:
Te Hakao – taking care of the environment
Te Hakao Minden Gully is an area of cultural and ecological significance. The stream is an important tributary that links the mouth of the awa, Wairoa River to Te Rangi tua nehe Minden.
Pre-construction freshwater surveys identified longfin eel, shortfin eel, koura (freshwater crayfish), and kākahi (freshwater mussels) — all indicators of a healthy and valuable waterway.
The project includes restoring stream banks, planting native vegetation, and creating habitats to support native fish and bird species. A significant environmental programme is underway, including archaeological investigations, relocation of over 130 indigenous lizards, and 13,000 native fish across the wider project area.
New road layout at Te Puna/Minden
This view depicts the road layout looking west over Te Hakao / Minden Gully. There are 4 bridges - Minden Road Overbridge (55.2m length), Main bridge (140m), On-ramp and shared path (137m) for walking and cycling on the right of image, Off-ramp (136).
This is a closer view of the diamond interchange, with Minden Road Overbridge, seen at the centre of the image.
Progress gallery
Revocation
The revocation process for the existing SH2 is underway and NZTA is engaging with hapū partners, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council on a future form and function of this corridor. There will be an opportunity for the community to look at proposals as part of the revocation process.
