Waikato expressway: Motorists can now bypass Huntly
A section of the new Waikato expressway opened to drivers on Monday. The $300 million, four-lane highway takes State Highway 1 east of Huntly - bypassing the small town. This particular section connects with the completed expressway at Ohinewai and Ngaruawahia. Work on the section of road has been underway since 2015. "The project has been complex and challenging but also hugely rewarding for all involved," NZTA portfolio manager Darryl Coalter said. It will improve safety and reduce time on the road cutting 35 minutes from the trip between Tirau and Auckland, the NZTA says. While drivers are happy about quicker travel times some Huntly retailers told they were worried they'd miss out on the more than 20,000 drivers that pass through the town most days. "We may stay for a couple of weeks and see how it goes and then we'll make a plan after that, but you know we are gonna miss out on the one-off people who are here on holiday," said Karen Putwain, who runs a seafood truck in the area.
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Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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80.6% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.4% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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