New Zealand regional infrastructure and transport updates

Ruapehu District Council Mayor Weston Kirton is seeking community feedback via a survey to support the restoration of an affordable, same-day return bus service between Taumarunui and Hamilton. The previous BUSIT Route 25 service, which functioned as both a public transport link and a health shuttle, ended in June following a decision by Health New Zealand to move to a dedicated health shuttle model. The service was vital for residents in Taumarunui, Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga, and Kihikihi to access hospital appointments, shopping, and education.

In Hawke's Bay, the Hawke's Bay Regional Council has commenced construction on an upgrade to the Ōmāhu stopbank. The project involves raising and widening three kilometres of the stopbank on the Ngaruroro River to improve flood resilience. This initiative follows significant damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and is designed to protect the community against a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability flood event. The work is expected to be completed by Christmas.