A key piece of infrastructure that will enable economic growth for the Bay of Plenty by connecting the Rangiuru Business Park to the highway has been blessed by mana whenua.
The interchange will open the industrial business park to nearby Te Puke and Pāpāmoa East and provide easy access to the Port of Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne via the Tauranga Eastern Link.
An official opening ceremony for the $60m bridge and interchange was held on Friday with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones cutting the ribbon.
Representatives from Tapuika and Waitaha iwi led the pōwhiri and karakia to welcome manuhiri (guests) and gift the bridge its name Pūkaingataru.