I’m really excited that preparation work to replace the Pepe Bridge is getting underway, with the initial phase focused on constructing a temporary footbridge to the side of the current bridge. Once this is completed, the project will move into full construction in mid-July.
I know many people in our community have been calling for this replacement for years. Like them, I’ve been a staunch advocate of this project, and I’ll be following its development with great interest.
Of course, it won’t solve all the traffic issues at Tairua, but NZTA tell me that a lot of the traffic that goes over the bridge is local people travelling around the township. That means making the Pepe Bridge two-laned will have a significant positive impact on their daily life, which is a big win for Tairua locals. It will also be welcomed by travellers throughout our region, as it will make getting around the Coromandel just that little bit easier.
The new bridge is expected to be operational in late 2027, so there is still a bit of time to go. Nevertheless, it’s great to see that a two-lane Pepe Bridge is getting closer to becoming a reality.
In other news, the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement has been signed and it represents a once in a generation step forward for our exporters.
Essentially it gives producers access to an enormous global market where they can sell more of what they’re great at, like kiwifruit, apples, lamb, fish, wine, wool, honey, and avocados. This will help to grow the economy, which means more jobs on farms and orchards, more money coming into local communities, and more opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead.
The free trade agreement will see tariffs eliminated or reduced on 95 percent of our exports, with duty-free access on almost 57 percent of New Zealand’s exports from day one.
A few years ago the previous government said it was impossible to get a free trade agreement with India, but Trade Minister Todd McClay has worked tirelessly to get this deal over the line. This agreement is further evidence that our Government backs New Zealanders to compete on the global stage and is committed to growing the economy and delivering long term benefits for Kiwi families.
