Coromandel businesses are popping the champagne in anticipation of State Highway 25A reopening three months earlier than planned.

The route between Kōpū and Hikuai —badly damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle— will be in business by December 20.

The tourism-reliant area suffered a severe economic downturn following the route's closure.

Mercury Bay Business Association Chair, Lynda Grant, told Kate Hawkesby that while there was a little bit of hope, nobody really thought it would reopen before Christmas. 

She said that it’s a win-win for everyone.

LISTEN ABOVE

Coromandel businesses are popping the champagne in anticipation of State Highway 25A reopening three months earlier than planned. 
The route between Kōpū and Hikuai —badly damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle— will be in business by December 20. 
The tourism-reliant area suffered a severe economic downturn following the route's closure. 
Mercury Bay Business Association Chair, Lynda Grant, told Kate Hawkesby that while there was a little bit of hope, nobody really thought it would reopen before Christmas.  
She said that it’s a win-win for everyone. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.