AA Taranaki District Council

Working on behalf of AA Members

Sharing the road with cyclists and other transport modes

Contributing to Taranaki's future plans

The Taranaki AA District Council is proactive in making submissions to improve roads in Taranaki, particularly improvements to SH3 north, which include:

• Awakino Tunnel – we're pleased to see this is now completed.
• Mt Messenger Bypass – which is currently underway.
• Bell Block to Waitara Corridor – where the phased improvements have started.

Speed management

The AA is liaising with Taranaki road controlling authorities as they revisit speed management (including speed limits) on their roads. We believe any change must 'make sense' to motorists - simply putting up a new sign with a lower limit often doesn't result in the speed reductions wanted.

Sealing SH43 - the Forgotten World Highway

The Taranaki AA District Council continues to support the sealing of the remaining 12.5km of SH43 – The Forgotten World Highway – which is both a popular tourist route and an important alternative route in and out of Taranaki.

AA Taranaki Strategic Priorities & District Council Profile - July 2022

Highlights from the latest meeting (October 2024): 

• We had a great meeting with special guest, Liesl Dawson, System Manager (Manawatu-Whanganui, Taranaki), Waka Kotahi.
• Key discussion points were the unacceptable abuse of road work staff and contractors as well as road maintenance needs in the Taranaki region.
• AA Taranaki District Councillors would like the public to reflect more on the fact that people working at roadwork sites are doing their jobs to keep our state highways and local roads safe and up to standard for everyone that uses them. While delays caused by roadworks can be frustrating, contractors deserve to work in a safe environment like everyone else. There is no excuse for the appalling abuse and threats which are unfortunately directed at roadworkers in New Zealand every day. It is the responsibility of every driver to treat road workers with respect, comply with the law, and not endanger others through their actions. Incidents where roadworkers are threatened or harmed only increase travel delays.

District Councillors

The District Councillors are:

• John Maxwell (Chair, National Councillor) 
• Marion Webby (Vice Chair)
• Graham O’Brien
• John Sutton
• Kieran Best
• Harry Duynhoven
• Denise Holmes
• Ralph Broad
• Wayne Benton
• Gavin Lysaght

100 years of the AA in Taranaki

In late 2014 the AA marked its 100th anniversary in Taranaki. A booklet was produced celebrating the history of the AA in the region.

Download the 100 years of the AA in Taranaki booklet

Contacts for AA Members

District Manager: Tania Ogle, New Plymouth AA Centre

Urgent road maintenance: If you notice road maintenance issues that need immediate attention, please contact either:

• State highway maintenance - contact Waka Kotahi-NZ Transport Agency - 0800 44 44 49 (0800 4 HIGHWAYS)
• Local road maintenance - contact Taranaki Regional Council - 0800 736 222