Linking Tauranga to safer, quicker, more reliable journeys

The Baypark to Bayfair Link project transformed a congested corridor into a quick-flowing, safe route through Tauranga, driving economic growth.

State Highway 2 between Baypark and Bayfair in Tauranga is a well-used traffic route. To address high traffic volumes, heavy congestion, and improve safety for walking and cycling, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) introduced the Baypark to Bayfair Link project. 

Two existing roundabouts on State Highway 2 have been replaced with flyovers, a railway line has been relocated, and new shared pedestrian and cycle paths have been created, improving safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Journey times are now more reliable, and congestion has been reduced thanks to the separation of local and state highway traffic.

We’ve helped NZTA realise the vision for the Baypark to Bayfair Link project over many years. This includes investigating options to improve the Bayfair roundabout, preparing the specimen design, undertaking the detailed design of the railway relocation, and acting as NZTA’s agent during design and construction of the roading upgrades.

To connect people with the rich history of the area, NZTA, supported by Beca’s urban and landscape design team, has collaborated with representatives and ringatoi (artists) from Ngā Pōtiki, Ngāi Tukairangi and Ngāti Tapu hapū over the last decade. Together, they have developed a suite of prominent mahi toi (artworks), including carvings, patterns, sculptures and pou whenua.

The three artists represent their respective hapū: Linda Munn (Ngā Pōtiki), Maraea Timutimu (Ngaī Tukairangi) and Stu McDonald (Ngāti Tapu). The mahi toi share the stories and history sacred to mana whenua, reconnecting the people of Tauranga Moana and visitors alike with whenua and place. 

We are proud to have worked alongside NZTA, Longveld (an Amotai-registered business), CPB Contractors and Align in delivering high-quality landscape and urban design outcomes on this project. 
 

Figure 1: Artists Maraea Timutimu, Stu McDonald and Linda Munn. Image provided by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

As part of our role as the Principal’s Agent to NZTA, Beca has supported the enduring 10-year relationship with mana whenua, subsequently implementing this through a Design Build Contract. 

This relationship evolved into active involvement in the project’s Hapū Advisory Group, a steering group comprised of representatives from the three hapū of Ngā Pōtiki, Ngaī Tukairangi and Ngāti Tapu, along with NZTA, CPB and Beca. The group was established early in the project’s inception with the goal of genuine engagement with mana whenua, working collaboratively to achieve the project’s goals while upholding the mana, identity, and integrity of the three hapū throughout the life of the project. 

Pou whenua at SH29A roundabout

Figure 2: Pou whenua at SH29A roundabout - image provided by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Three pou whenua welcome people of Tauranga and visitors to the city with a metaphorical karanga, that first call of welcome, before they travel through this area. They represent Te-Aho-o-te-Rangi of Ngāi Tukairangi, Kahumoeangi of Ngāti Tapu and Parewaitai of Ngā Pōtiki - three tupuna wāhine (female ancestors) who lived on the estuary surrounding the roundabout, each looking out to their respective marae as the kaitiaki (guardians) of the area.

These three figures embody several important elements for hapū, including the patterns and symbols they bear, the combined strength of the three hapū, and the significant role wāhine have in the past, present and future. The pou whenua stand as the predominant marker and mahi toi on the Baypark to Bayfair Link project, located in the middle of the new State Highway 29A roundabout.

Figure 3 SH29A roundabout - Image provided by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Learn more about this project from the artists themselves.