It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good and clearly, Port of Tauranga is the big winner with both Maersk Shipping and Fonterra deciding to route containers through our port.
Clearly the heavy traffic volume along Maunganui Rd will increase and one hopes New Zealand Transport Authority will factor this into their upcoming deliberations (due for Feb 2012) regarding the Matapihi/Girven Rd roundabout.
IMHO, a Maunganui Rd 'through traffic flyover” similar to the traffic flow plan designed at the Maunganui Rd/Gulf Road intersection is the safest solution for this (even busier) intersection.

Max Lewis, Mt Maunganui.