Supporting Critical State Highway Recovery and Emergency Response

In the January 2026 event 2026 , severe weather events across the North Island placed enormous pressure on key transport links, particularly State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Waioweka Gorge and State Highway 35 (SH35) along the East Coast. With widespread slips, fragile worksites, and long-term closures impacting communities and regional connectivity, a coordinated and responsive approach was essential.

Stellar Projects was engaged to provide on-the-ground leadership, coordination, and structure, supporting NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and project partners during both emergency response and recovery and phases.

SH2 – Recovery Through Strategic Coordination

Following intense rainfall, State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Waioweka Gorge experienced several slips across a stretch of more than 45kms of road resulting in a full closure that divided the community and closed the connection between the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. Emergency efforts were challenged by the sheer scale of the damage, which included large slips, blocked culverts, and widespread debris across more than 40 sites, as well as the need for rapid, site-wide coordination.

Stellar Projects stepped in to provide strategic coordination from both sides of the SH2 corridor, enabling vital supply routes to reopen quickly and safely. By embedding experienced personnel directly on site, the team aligned contractors, safety systems, and work sequencing to accelerate progress while maintaining strict safety standards.

Strong existing relationships with NZTA, built through previous successful projects, fostered trust-based collaboration and faster decision-making. This approach ensured recovery efforts were not only more efficient but also safer and better integrated. The client has openly appreciated the success of this collaborative effort.

Although the route has now reopened, recovery work continues along this stretch of SH2, which will remain an active worksite bringing all the affected sites back their original level of service LoS for the rest of the year.

SH35 – Emergency Response with Structure and Speed

The situation on SH35 required an immediate emergency response. Approximately 500,000 cubic metres of material impacted the route, with a major landslide between Te Araroa and Pōtaka resulting in a long-term closure through the Punaruku and Waikura slip sites. Rapid mobilisation was critical, as the closure meant that both vital routes between the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne were unavailable. Alternative routes added at least eight additional hours to travel time, making them impractical for daily commuting and significantly affecting the transport of goods and essential supplies to and from Gisborne.

Stellar Projects delivered a fast response, assembling a capable team at short notice to support emergency and access management works. By quickly introducing structure, defining clear roles, and establishing coordinated processes, the response became more organised and effective. This approach allowed recovery activities to be seamlessly embedded into day-to-day site operations.

The Stellar Projects AdvantageThese projects demonstrate Stellar Projects’ dynamic, matrix-based people approach. The business has the depth, capability, and agility to rapidly assemble teams, deploy experienced staff to site, and scale resources to meet any level of response required.

Whether supporting long-term recovery or urgent emergency works, Stellar Projects consistently delivers calm leadership, strong coordination, and client-focused solutions that help keep New Zealand connected when it matters most.

Recovery work continues along this stretch of SH35, which will remain an active worksite for some time.

.