Rā Hihi flyover officially opened

As the sun rose over Pakūranga, we walked over Rā Hihi in preparation for its opening.

This special dawn blessing was led by Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, with attendance from Eastern Busway, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Howick Local Board, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Mana whenua have contributed much to the wider Eastern Busway project including advocating for better environmental and community outcomes, designing the mahi toi (artwork), and gifting of names for the stations and structures. This has enabled the return of the full name of Pakūranga Rā Hihi (Battle of the Sun's Rays) to the area.

It was wonderful to be there to celebrate, especially with the planning, design and construction crews who have worked so hard to deliver this incredible piece of infrastructure five months early and under budget.

Later in the morning we returned for the formal opening, with mana whenua, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Ministers Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop, Mayor Wayne Brown cutting the ribbon.

The flyover opens from 1 October for city bound traffic with Howick bound lanes opening later in October.