Speeches 

It's wonderful for me to be here today to help celebrate the completion of the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass - a project which secures the future of one of our country's most treasured heritage areas.

In a formal ceremony in February last year, at the beginning of the construction of the Bypass, I was here to plant a Kauri. It is very satisfying to return today in this ceremony marking the completion of the project - one which I have pursued as Prime Minister for a number of years and assembled the funding for.

Thank you to all who have provided vintage and classic cars to create today's transport heritage theme. What an appropriate way to mark both the closure of the one-lane bridge and the opening of the Bypass!

The Kerikeri Heritage Bypass has been a unique project - indeed I cannot think of a precedent for it.

The idea of a bypass was first canvassed back in the 1980s, after a major flood threatened to sweep Kemp House away and caused water damage to the stone store.

And just in March last year, we faced the prospect again that flooding might destroy Kemp House and also damage the stone store.

Today's opening is the culmination of many years' work by many organisations and individuals - and intense engagement on how best to reduce the risk of flooding and traffic vibration to this area.

The Kerikeri Mission Station is regarded as New Zealand's single most evocative Maori - Pakeha early contact site.

The two Mission buildings are of huge historical significance; and they sit as part of a wider landscape which includes land treasured by local iwi as the site of wāhi tapu and Kororipo Pā.

The Kerikeri Heritage Bypass project will significantly mitigate the flooding risk to the Kerikeri Mission Station buildings and help ensure their continued existence for future generations. The removal of the bridge is critical to that because it has acted as a dam contributing to the flood risk. The removal of through traffic overall is also very positive for the Mission Station buildings.

The Government has been proud to fully fund the project through Land Transport New Zealand and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to ensure that the nationally important Kerikeri Basin is protected.

This significant investment of more than $19 million dollars and the special funding arrangements which have allowed the project to go ahead reflect the Government's recognition of the unique values inherent in the Kerikeri Basin.

The magnificent poupou, "Manaako" and "Kahikatearoa", which grace the new Bypass, speak of Ngāti Rehia's relationship with the land, the project and the community. They will be an enduring symbol of the past and the future of the Kerikeri basin, and the coming together of Māori and Pakeha.

The completion of the Bypass is the beginning of a new era for the Kerikeri Basin. Over 30,000 visitors every year come to enjoy this iconic site, which is much loved by tourists and locals alike. There is scope now to develop the Basin's full potential as a magnificent heritage.

My congratulations to all involved in bringing the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass project to completion.

The Far North District Council has long been supportive, and Land Transport New Zealand, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, the Department of Conservation, tangata whenua and others in the local community have all played their part.

I would particularly like to acknowledge the close involvement of Ngāti Rehia and the importance of its engagement throughout the project. Ngāti Rehia's help and advice has also been invaluable with respect to the wonderful archaeological finds - the midden, hangi pits, and pre-European Maori agricultural tools. I also acknowledge HEB Construction Ltd and GHD Ltd for their work at the coal face of the new Bypass.

And let's not forget Maggie, the Kiwi Dog for her contribution to the happy ending for a large brown kiwi, which was found on the construction site because the bush areas were searched every morning.

It is a proud day for me to see this project completed and to know that we have all done the right thing to preserve this critical part of our country's heritage for future generations.

I am now delighted to declare the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass officially open.

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