Protestors are lining the roadsides between Matahui Rd and Morton Rd to protest NZTA’s decision to resume works on SH2 median barriers.

Yesterday NZTA released its decision to continue the works to install median barriers on State Highway 2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa despite the negative response from locals.

This will be the second protest on the issue after a rolling protest in June.

Upset by NZTA’s response to locals’ concerns, the group is protesting again in Aongatete on the side of the road with signs. A protester called 0800SUNLIVE to say there are about 40 people in the protest.

A Katikati resident says: “There are numerous protestors and police on the roadside between Matahui Road roundabout and Morton Road roundabout on SH2 this morning at 10am as men start the road works for the road wire barriers today.

SH2 median barrier protest. Photo supplied.

“It’s a sad day for the locals as many find the wires a barrier to their everyday lives.”

The median barriers would prevent right-hand turns along the section of SH2 which worries locals as the barriers would force an extra 7km of travel to access the side roads which would slow emergency services.

Numerous letters have been sent to NZTA regional relationships director David Speirs, Coromandel MP Scott Simpson and Minster for Transport Simeon Brown from the area’s residents voicing their concerns.

Katikati resident Annette Bates says: “The problem is they have not paused to consider our concerns as they have already commenced installing the barriers today [Thursday, July 4] from Morton Road.”

SH2 median barrier protest. Photo: Blake Judson.

When asked the extent locals are willing to go to in order to prevent the installation of these barriers, Annette says: “Continued protest action until a satisfactory outcome is achieved.”

Lund Rd local Rick Burke has written to David Speirs saying: “Our community will not back down until you redesign the proposed works plan that restricts access in and out of our roads.”

SH2 median barrier protest. Photo: Blake Judson.

“As agreed, in response to the community voicing concerns about the median barrier installation, we paused work while a review was completed, and I can confirm work is now proceeding as planned,” David says in a response this week.

“While we incorporate feedback and changes from the community on designs, where possible, designs are based on evidence (both international and around Aotearoa New Zealand) and technical advice, with safety being a focus, along with other design and construction criterion.

SH2 median barrier protest. Photo: Blake Judson.

“Changes to the overall design of the safety improvements have been made throughout the project.

“However, it is our view that the median barrier is less effective with more gaps in the barrier introduced.

“Roundabouts have been built with the purpose of providing safe turnaround locations, to reduce the risk of intersection crashes and right turns across SH2.

This week, early works for the installation of 1.4km of barriers will begin, between Morton Road and the Aongatete River bridge.

SH2 median barrier protest. Photo: Blake Judson..

“Recently, there has been a high level of aggression directed at our team and contractors.

“The online and onsite treatment our NZTA staff and contractors have faced is not acceptable.

“Following vandalism of SH2 recently, last week one of our crew was confronted by a member of the public who drove between the cones and parked in the work zone and was abusive and aggressive.

“This, and several other examples of unacceptable behaviour, have been reported to NZ Police.”