# Major milestone reached in Waioweka Gorge recovery

Date: 21 Oct 2026
Released by: Hon Chris Bishop, Minister of Transport

## MediaRelease.co Summary

A new rockfall protection system has been installed at the Goldsmith slip on State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge, where more than 20,000 cubic metres of material closed the route for over three weeks earlier this year. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says two-way traffic is expected to resume early next month for the first time since January. NZ Transport Agency is delivering about $33 million of recovery work, alongside $75 million from Budget 2026 for the Ōpōtiki to Matawai corridor.

## Original release

The installation of a new rockfall protection system at the Goldsmith slip site is a major milestone in the recovery of State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge, with two-way traffic expected to resume early next month, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. "The Goldsmith slip has been one of the most challenging sites in the Gorge following the severe weather that struck the eastern Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti earlier this year," Mr Bishop says. "More than 20,000 cubic metres of material came down, closing this critical freight route in both directions for more than three weeks. "The installation of a new 'rockfall attenuator' is a key part of the work to make the site safer and more resilient. The system uses flexible high-tensile steel wire mesh, cables and energy-absorbing components to slow and control falling rocks and debris, reducing the risk of further disruption and protecting road users. "It has already demonstrated its value, capturing more than 10 cubic metres of falling material shortly after installation. "Alongside drainage improvements, pavement repairs and finishing works, the site is expected to reopen to two-way traffic early next month for the first time since January. "Completing this specialist structure is an important step towards a safer and more resilient transport connection between the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti, and follows months of geotechnical investigations, slope scaling, stabilisation activities and specialist construction in a challenging environment. "NZ Transport Agency is delivering around $33 million of recovery and resilience work in the Gorge, alongside a further $75 million announced through Budget 2026 for the wider corridor between Ōpōtiki and Matawai. "A number of sites throughout the Gorge are currently being assessed for inclusion in this wider resilience package. The programme is expected to be finalised in the coming months, with work to begin by April 2027. "These investments will improve reliability, reduce disruption and keep communities, businesses, freight operators and emergency services connected. "I thank the project teams and contractors for their hard work, and local communities and road users for their patience as we continue strengthening this important regional connection." Notes to editor - The Goldsmith slip is the largest recovery site within the SH2 Waioweka Gorge Recovery Programme. - The rockfall attenuator is a custom-designed protection system spanning approximately 45 metres across the slip face and is supported by six steel posts and high-tensile mesh. - The installation required specialist rope-access scaling, extensive anchor testing and construction on a steep and challenging slope. - Following independent inspection, the attenuator has been confirmed as correctly installed and operational.

## Key details

- Author/spokesperson: Hon Chris Bishop, Minister of Transport
- Published: 21 Oct 2026
- Publisher country: New Zealand

Original source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/major-milestone-reached-waioweka-gorge-recovery
MediaRelease.co canonical URL: https://mediarelease.co/nz/mr02164-major-milestone-reached-in-waioweka-gorge-recovery-21102026.html