Chipseal over Hotmix Road Surface Survey 2025

Tauranga City Council (TCC) is planning to apply chipseal over a number of hotmix (asphalt) roads in Papamoa.

Update: This maintenance policy will eventually result in all suburban hotmix roads across Tauranga being chipsealed. This is no longer just a local issue — it’s a citywide concern. See PRRA submissions below for the latest correspondence.

Chipseal involves spraying a tar binder and spreading metal chips over the top of the existing surface. If a road surface actually requires renewal, the correct approach is to replace it like for like — hotmix with hotmix.

TCC is well aware that residents do not want chipseal on their hotmix streets, yet they are proceeding regardless and offering shifting and confusing explanations for the decision.

The reality is that most of these roads remain in very good condition for their age (30 years or more). They are not failing. The only reason TCC has provided for chipsealing is that they can claim an NZTA subsidy for this work . Our view is simple: do nothing and save the cost. Those funds could be redirected to genuine priorities, such as tsunami evacuation routes.

After three decades of collecting depreciation, there should be more than enough funding to replace these roads in hotmix. Where has that depreciation money gone?

Chipseal is a downgrade for any neighbourhood. Even TCC’s own staff member, Garry Oakes, has acknowledged this—yet the Council still intends to chipseal over perfectly good hotmix.

The impacts of chipseal on hotmix roads are well known:

  • Increased road noise

  • Tar bleed

  • A rougher, uneven surface

  • Loose metal chips

  • Shorter and inconsistent lifespan

  • More frequent renewals (every 5–7 years)

  • Poorer cycling conditions

The Papamoa Residents & Ratepayers Association (PRRA) requested the list of streets scheduled for chipsealing this summer some time ago. TCC only released the information after we advised them that Fulton Hogan, the contractor, was preparing to notify residents directly. A very resident-friendly approach indeed.
Update: The list has now been provided — at the last minute.

PRRA needs to understand how the community feels about this issue. This online survey will help capture your views. Please take part and encourage your neighbours and landlords to do the same.

If you want to see how poorly chipseal performs over hotmix, visit the newly chipsealed section of Gloucester Road. Stop, get out of your car, and listen to the increased noise. Is this what you want outside your home?

Update – November 2025:
PRRA has formally presented to Council requesting that this practice be stopped and that any resurfacing of hotmix streets be done in hotmix. TCC has suggested that residents in affected streets could pay a targeted rate to fund “like for like” replacement. Our response: if this is a citywide issue, then any targeted rate should apply citywide to all properties on hotmix roads — not just a select few.

TCC Contacts Garry Oakes Traffic Section

110 Nov 2025 click image to read

18 Nov 2025 RNZ Nz herald. click image to read

Newly chipsealed road

Chipseal over Hotmix Road Surface Survey 2025

Note all information collected will remain confidential. Only the aggregated results will become public. Results will be sent to all the participants. Multiple reponses from a household are acceptable. Your replies are important.

PRRA November 2025