Waka Kotahi contractor threatened at gunpoint on SH35

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Extra security has been drafted in after a security guard working for a Waka Kotahi contractor was threatened at gunpoint.

“Our contractors working at a site on State Highway 35 at Mangahauini have confirmed one of their security guards was threatened at gunpoint,” a Waka Kotahi spokesman told The Gisborne Herald yesterday.

“Incidents such as these are incredibly disappointing and are completely unacceptable.

“They won’t be tolerated by Waka Kotahi or our contractors.

“Police are currently investigating and we are working with the contractor to offer support to the guard.

“As a result of the incident, two security guards will be on duty at this site for the remainder of the works.”

A police spokesman confirmed police were called to the incident at 4am on Thursday, October 19.

“Police were alerted that a person working along State Highway 35 near Tokomaru Bay had been threatened by the occupants of a vehicle.

“During one of two encounters a firearm was allegedly presented.”

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on a number of charges in relation to the incident and was due to appear in the Gisborne District Court yesterday.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency urges everyone to treat road workers with respect, saying that they are doing their part to keep road users safe, and in turn they deserve a safe working environment.