Ngaaruawaahia will experience an influx of traffic towards the end of this week as Turangawaewae Marae prepares to host Koroneihana 2024.
Unfortunately the current detour in place on Great South Road (coming into Ngaaruawaahia from Taupiri) to accommodate wastewater pipeline work (via Edward Street, Queen Street and Regent Street) will still be in place during the celebrations.
But extra measures are being taken, in association with Koroneihana 2024's traffic management team, to minimise disruption as much as possible and keep people safe during the celebrations from 15 to 21 August.
These include:
- Traffic lights on River Rd between George St and Kent St for crossing large numbers of pedestrians
- Traffic lights extended into George and Kent Street to help with pedestrian access
- 30kmh speed restriction extending past tennis courts on River Road
- VMS Board on Great South Road before Starr Road directing attendees from the north to parking locations
- Using fixed VMS Board south of Waikato River bridge to give parking directions via Starr Road
- Maintaining right turn access to River Rd for northbound traffic coming from the south
- Maintaining bus parking along Regent Street facing west
- Marae field parking access from River Road through Ahurei Drive
- Closing right-turn access on the current diversion from Edward Street into King Street to ensure traffic follows diversion signs.
- Added safety measures like more hit sticks
Koroneihana 2024 traffic management team are also advising the following to visitors during the celebrations:
- Please follow all suggested routes.
- Kaumaatua drop-offs will take place from Hamilton only.
- There will be four entry and exit points to the celebrations, which will also be included within communication from the Koroneihana koomiti on the Kiingitanga Facebook page.
Given the fact that the community will be welcoming thousands of visitors to the area during Koroneihana 2024, it is recommended that drivers avoid the River Road area of Ngaaruwaahia during the celebrations unless attending an event or if travel is essential through that area.
The best place to find out about all the events associated with Koroneihana 2024 is the Kiingitanga Facebook page.
