State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns in February this year. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
What was meant to be a gathering in Whangārei on Wednesday evening to support struggling Northland business owners is set to become a celebration instead, following the announcement that State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns will reopen in one week's time.
The crucial road link between Northland and Auckland closed in February for a planned nine-week repair job that dragged out to four months following fresh slips in April.
NorthChamber chief executive Darryn Fisher said the highway closure - combined with current economic headwinds and the border closures of previous years - had taken a heavy toll on many business owners and staff.
Tonight's get-together was just the first of many planned in a wellness programme for business owners over the next two years.
Fisher said the programme was organised by NorthChamber and supported by MSD and NZTA, in recognition of the highway closure's impact.
Today's news from NZTA - that State Highway 1 would reopen at 11.59pm on 26 June, in time for the Matariki weekend - would change the mood of tonight's gathering, he said.
It had been intended as an event supporting people under stress, and promoting well-being and mental health.
"While we'll still talk about that, and it's important in this day and age we are open about these things, now there's going to be an element of celebration with the news of the reopening."
Cyclone Gabrielle exacerbated slips on State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns, resulting in road closure for repairs. Photo: NZTA / Waka Kotahi
Fisher expected about 90 people at the event, which would be MC'd by Northland radio personality Toast Te Kani.
He said the past month had been particularly stressful for Northland business owners as the highway closure dragged on.
That had been compounded by wider economic headwinds, as reflected nationwide in business closures and increased unemployment.
"But Northlanders are resilient and we've got to get on with things and keep innovating and keep going … The opening is going to be welcome news, businesses are really looking forward to it, and let's just hope the weather plays its part and we get some of those beautiful Northland winter days during the long weekend."
An advertising campaign that started in February, pushing the message that Northland was still open for business, would continue for the next few months, Fisher said.
The campaign by regional development agency Northland Inc made use of social media, radio advertising, digital billboards and other avenues.
The highway had been expected to reopen at the end of June, so the pre-Matariki opening is several days earlier than anticipated.