Clearing the way forward
The second stage of the Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway extension is now underway, with Matariki Forests mobilising crews and equipment to meet critical delivery deadlines.
Ara Tūhono - Warkworth to Te Hana is a Road of National Significance that will connect to the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and is the first stage of the Northland Corridor, a key strategic route connecting Auckland to Whangārei. The new 26 kilometre road is of strategic importance to the regional and national economy., improving accessibility to Northland.
Approximately seven kilometres of the new corridor passes through Mahurangi Forest, requiring extensive harvesting and land preparation before construction of the new motorway can begin. A total of 535 hectares will be cleared to make way for the motorway extension, stretching from Kaipara Flats Road along the western side of State Highway 1, through Dome Valley and exiting near Wayby Valley Road.
The harvest is expected to produce approximately 215,000 tonnes of logs - equivalent to more than 6,700 logging truckloads or the weight of three Auckland Harbour Bridges. Logs will first be supplied to domestic customers, with surplus exported via Marsden Point to international markets.
Harvesting began in August last year with one crew and has since scaled up significantly. The operation now includes four harvesting crews, one road-lining crew (preparing for road upgrade works) and three roading crews.
Work progressed slowly through winter but is now ramping up to take advantage of favourable summer conditions.
Will Steward, Northland Regional Manager for Matariki Forest says managing operational capacity and site congestion has been a key challenge.
“Finding the harvesting and roading capacity and making sure we’ve got the right level to achieve the targets, has been crucial,” says Will.
“Now, with up to 100 people working in the forest on any given day, managing operational capacity and site congestion is a top priority. We’ve got harvesting crews, logging trucks, servicing vehicles and support teams constantly moving in and around the forest so we’re very focused on risk management.”
Will says the project has generated strong enthusiasm among those involved.
“There has been extensive pre-planning, harvest and operational coordination, along with roading upgrades to support the work. It’s been a great project to be part of, and there’s real enthusiasm for the long-term benefits it will bring.”
By clearing the way for the new motorway construction Matariki Forests is playing a vital role in delivering infrastructure that will strengthen connectivity, improve safety, and support economic growth across Northland.