Govt Boosts Road Rehabilitation with 124% Increase in Summer Maintenance

The Pothole Prevention Fund will support 285.6 lane kilometres of road rehabilitation this summer—an increase of 124% from the previous year.

Kiwis will see fewer potholes and smoother roads as the Government significantly ramps up road rehabilitation through its summer maintenance programme, Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced. The initiative aims to double road rehabilitation efforts, addressing the backlog of road maintenance and delivering long-term improvements to New Zealand’s road network.

“Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key priority for the Government, and improving pothole repairs and prevention is crucial to ensuring that our roads are safe, reliable, and supportive of economic growth,” Brown said.

Road Rehabilitation and Pothole Prevention Fund

The Pothole Prevention Fund will support 285.6 lane kilometres of road rehabilitation this summer—an increase of 124% from the previous year. Unlike temporary pothole patching, rehabilitation involves full-width road repairs, renewing the life of the road pavement to prevent future potholes and improve the overall strength of the network.

“In recent years, a focus on quick fixes over long-term solutions has led to the rapid deterioration of our roads. To reverse this decline, we are prioritizing comprehensive rehabilitation alongside a significant resealing programme,” Brown said.

Addressing the Maintenance Backlog

The Government acknowledges that the country has inherited a significant backlog of road maintenance, which has contributed to the increasing number of potholes. In response, the Pothole Prevention Fund will see a 91% boost in funding compared to the previous three years, with the money ringfenced specifically for resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage works.

“Investment in road maintenance hasn’t kept pace with the growing needs of the network, which has resulted in deferred rehabilitation and quicker, temporary fixes. Our plan addresses these long-standing issues by focusing on long-term solutions that will prevent potholes from forming in the first place,” Brown explained.

Strengthening Economic Growth

The enhanced maintenance programme is part of the Government’s broader effort to increase productivity and unlock economic growth by improving the country's transport infrastructure. State highways are vital for the movement of freight and passengers, making their upkeep critical to both local and national economies.

“Our state highways are essential for boosting productivity and enabling growth. By prioritizing road rehabilitation and pothole prevention, we’re ensuring that Kiwis and freight can get where they need to go quickly and safely,” Brown said.

With these improvements in place, motorists and freight operators alike can expect safer, more reliable journeys on New Zealand’s state highways as the Government takes decisive action to enhance the country’s road infrastructure.