Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway

Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway is a landmark infrastructure project reconnecting communities across the lower North Island.

Delivered by the Te Ahu a Turanga Alliance, which includes HEB Construction, Fulton Hogan, Aurecon Limited, WSP, Rangitāne o Manawatū, Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-a-Rua, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, Te Runanga o Raukawa (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Nga Kaitiaki ō Ngāti Kauwhata), the new 11.5km, four-lane highway traverses the Ruahine Ranges, restoring a vital link between Ashhurst and Woodville after the closure of the Manawatū Gorge route.

The scope includes two major bridges, extensive earthworks, nine stormwater wetlands, and a full-length shared use path for people to walk and cycle.

The project set a benchmark for partnership, with four iwi embedded at all levels. Works by local artists are embedded in the infrastructure, acknowledging the mātauranga Māori and local values that were reflected throughout the project. Environmental stewardship was central, with 1.8 million native plants, 29 stream diversions, and robust controls protecting sensitive habitats. Innovative engineering addressed seismic, groundwater, and ecological challenges, while a people-centred approach to health, safety, and wellbeing supported the workforce and wider whānau.

Completed ahead of schedule, Te Ahu a Turanga delivers resilient, efficient infrastructure and enduring social, cultural, and environmental benefits for the region.

The project won the 2025 CCNZ National Awards (Category 5 – Projects with a value of greater than $100 million) and the 2025 CCNZ Manawatū Whanganui Regional Distinction Award.