State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills has officially re-opened after 18 months of disruption, just in time for the long Matariki weekend.
The crucial Northland link was meant to be closed for nine weeks from February to May, to repair storm damage, but several slips delayed the reopening until yesterday midnight.
Whangarei mayor Vince Cocurullo said it was calculated the region would lose $14 million a day every time the route was closed.
“That’s made up of economic research in relation to the retail sales, the trucking movements, the produce getting up and down.”
Around 10,000 vehicles use the Northland highway daily, with that number swelling on holiday weekends. Local businesses are taking the upcoming Matariki holiday as an opportunity to harness that increased traffic and recoup some of their losses.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is hoping to entice visitors with free admission over the weekend.
“It has had a significant impact on us,” said sales executive Jo Gill about the road closure.
“International visitors don’t always mind going around the roads, but Kiwis want to get from A to B, as close as possible, so they can get on with their holidays.”
She said it was hoped more people would make the journey up north as a result of the road’s reopening.
“That would then mean economically we see a cash injection into the hotels, the boats, the cafes and all the other operators here after such a difficult time.”
