Aeolus Truck & Driver News

The major asphalt works 

currently taking place on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway will be extended to include two additional stages later this year.

Since the start of the Cambridge asphalt works, Budget 2026 confirmed funding for the SH1 Cambridge to Piarere Expressway Road of National Significance. This will extend the Waikato Expressway to the intersection with SH29 at Piarere.

Subject to planning approvals and other permits, property acquisition and final design, the first phase of construction activity for Cambridge to Piarere is expected to start in early 2027.

“Given the timing of the Cambridge to Piarere project, we h...

The 2026 King’s Birthday Honours have recognised the careers and influence of two New Zealand road transport industry leaders.

Bay of Plenty-based Warwick Wilshier has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) and Southland’s Scott O’Donnell becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

Wilshier has been recognised for his services to the road freight industry, and O’Donnell has been honoured for his services to business.

Wilshier has been a log truck operator for more than 44 years, and has been a leader in efforts to raise the safety standards of log transport through governance and advocacy.

His business ca...

Construction work to extend the Waikato Expressway as far south as Piarere is expected to begin towards the end of this year, or early in 2027.

Budget 2026 is investing $1.773 billion for the Cambridge to Piarere Road of National Significance, extending the Waikato Expressway which is one of New Zealand’s most strategically important transport corridors.

The extension of the Waikato Expressway will make travel safer, faster and more reliable, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“State Highway 1 between Cambridge and Piarere is a critical freight and economic link connecting Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty with the central and lower North Islan...

The first two-day format for EROAD Fleet Days will feature a speaker line-up which includes David Gordon (CEO, NZTA) and Carla Hoorweg (CEO, ANCAP).

Former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Sir John Key returns to the speaker roster after appearing at the 2024 event while also confirmed are Grant Baker (Chairman, Turners Group and Ferrari Ambassador NZ), and Mark Law (Kahu Helicopters).

There are plans for high performance demonstrations by drift star Mad Mike Whiddett and Kiwi WRC driver Hayden Paddon.

The focus of the eve...

The SH1 Tīrau to Waiouru Accelerated Maintenance programme condensed four seasons of road maintenance into just two, improving some of the most travelled and in-need-of-repair sections of SH1 in Waikato. In total 128 lane kilometres is now rehabilitated or resealed.

“Prior to this project, something of this magnitude has never been attempted on our state highways, especially the block road closures of SH1 that were necessary to deliver intensive road rebuilding in the shortest possible time,” says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

“The projec...