Two separate projects to upgrade the main street in Ngatea will get started early in the new year.

New Zealand Transport Agency is renewing the main highway, repairing the carparks, and surfacing with asphalt from kerb to kerb, while Hauraki District Council will be upgrading the kerb and channel as well as replacing footpaths.

It's expected the NZ Transport Agency portion of the work will start mid-January and continue for about eight weeks. The footpath will be replaced in sections over a period of about 20 weeks.

Hauraki District mayor Toby Adams says there are many practical things that have to be done before the council can turn its thoughts to nice-to-have things like gardens, seating and lighting.

'We've had to be practical about our available budget and time constraints due to fitting in with the work NZ Transport Agency is doing to renew the road.

'It's important we fit in alongside NZTA to minimise not only disruption, but also the cost to our ratepayers. Once we've got the basics right, we'll look at options for more streetscape work and how it can be funded further down the track.”

'We're aware there will be disruption to local businesses and the community during construction and we'll work closely with NZTA to do everything we can to minimise this,” Tony says.

'It's going to be a bumpy ride for a few months, but when it's finished the upgrade will breathe new life into the CBD and make us even more proud of our town.”

In the meantime, the council is also asking people to share their footpath design ideas and go in the draw to win a bumper beach box.

People can also check out plans, and stay updated on the project at the Ngatea council office or online at https://weneedtotalk.hauraki-dc.govt.nz.

For those who'd like to hear more about the project in person, councillors and council staff will be available to chat at the Ngatea council office at these times 3pm to 4pm Monday, December 16, 6pm to 7pm Wednesday, December 18 and 10am to 11am Thursday, December 19.