From Cyclone to Rebuild Completion: The Reawakening of Tararere (Devil’s Elbow - SH 2)
On 30 April, the land at Devil’s Elbow was formally blessed, marking the completion of a two-year project led by TREC. More than a milestone, the ceremony signified a respectful reopening, grounding the project in both progress and whakapapa. The formal blessing itself was led by Pereri King of Tangoio Marae on behalf of Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotu, reaffirming the deep cultural significance of the site.
The journey to this moment began in February 2023, when Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage to Devil’s Elbow on State Highway 2 (SH2). The storm left more than 100 faults along the stretch, requiring extensive and complex repairs. In response, the Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance undertook the massive rebuild effort, working across two years to restore and stabilise the road.
TREC senior project manager Tony King reflected on the scale of the work, noting that “there were roughly 160,000 man hours went into the rebuild, which is the equivalent of one person working non-stop for 80 years.” It’s a figure that captures the sheer human effort behind what now appears seamless to those who pass through.
Mana whenua were present to lead and witness the blessing, including representatives of Te Taiwhenua o te Whanganui a Orotu, alongside Bayden Barber on behalf of Ngāti Kahungunu Incorporated, and Maungaharuru Tangitū. Their presence reaffirmed the deep cultural significance of the site.
Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotu played an integral role throughout the project, with Albe Baker and Joe Reti working alongside TREC as cultural monitors on behalf of mana whenua. Their involvement ensured that cultural values remained at the forefront of the rebuild.
The site, situated in Kaiwaka and widely known as Devil’s Elbow, is traditionally referred to as Tararere - a place of deep cultural significance to local iwi. The project followed a collaborative process that integrated mātauranga Māori with scientific and engineering methods. This approach helped protect environmental and cultural heritage, particularly in navigating resource consents and complex infrastructure development.
Reflections shared on the day by contractors, project managers, and cultural monitors spoke to more than just the completion of works. They acknowledged a two-year journey of collaboration, care, and respect for the whenua, where cultural guidance and environmental responsibility sat alongside engineering and construction.
The blessing marked not just the end of a project, but the beginning of a renewed relationship with Tararere - one that honours both its past and its future, for all who use this significant stretch of road connecting communities along Te Tairāwhiti.