36242 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

Written Question

Published date: 07 Aug 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	36242 (2025)
Question asked:	24 Jul 2025
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister of Transport
Minister replying:	Hon Chris Bishop
Answer received:	03 Aug 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_36242_2025
Document guid:	c94ec52a-6967-4038-9267-092c5e074086

36242 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: Has he seen the public statements by NZRoad Ltd CEO Alastair Mackintosh that cooler weather assists in pothole sealing due to the emulsion setting quickly?

Hon Chris Bishop: I am advised by NZTA that the statement referred to is technically sound and reflects practical experience with emulsion-based patching in cooler conditions. However, while winter may offer some advantages for emulsion setting, it also increases the likelihood of repeat repairs due to environmental stressors such as water. Pothole fixes don't always hold which could be due to substructure or the conditions. Not every pothole is perfectly round and perfectly shaped to form and stay permanently fixed.