#regional: Waititi Raises Concerns Over Long-Term Infrastructure, Cost Pressures and Growing Hardship

The reopening of State Highway 35 and progress toward the near completion of works through the Waioeka Gorge are being welcomed in Te Tairāwhiti, but questions remain over whether the improvements will deliver long-term resilience for the region.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says while the return of key transport links is a positive step for local communities and businesses, there is growing concern that current repairs may not be sufficient to withstand future weather events or ongoing infrastructure pressures.

For communities across the East Coast, reliable road access is critical-not just for economic activity, but for everyday essentials such as healthcare, education, and supply chains. Repeated closures and damage in recent years have highlighted vulnerabilities in the network, particularly in isolated and rural areas.

Waititi is pointing to the need for a more strategic, long-term approach to infrastructure investment, one that prioritises durability, resilience, and the unique geographical challenges of regions like Tairāwhiti. This includes stronger planning, better-quality construction, and a commitment to future-proofing key routes against climate impacts.

At the same time, rising fuel costs are compounding the challenges faced by smaller communities. With limited transport options and greater distances to travel, rural whānau are feeling the impact more sharply, particularly as higher fuel prices flow through to the cost of groceries and other essentials.

The pressure is contributing to wider social issues, including a growing homelessness problem that is increasingly affecting wāhine and tamariki. In regions already dealing with economic constraints, the combination of rising living costs and limited housing availability is placing significant strain on vulnerable families.

Waititi is calling for a more coordinated response that addresses both infrastructure and social wellbeing, including investment in housing, targeted support for rural communities, and policies that ease cost-of-living pressures.

The issues highlight the interconnected nature of regional challenges, where transport, economic resilience, and social outcomes are closely linked. As recovery and rebuilding efforts continue across the East Coast, there are growing calls for solutions that move beyond short-term fixes and deliver lasting change for communities on the ground.