Riverbank Market relocating next year 

To allow major construction work to take place along Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River, the Riverbank Market is moving to Dowse Square next year. 

The market needs to move from the Riverbank carpark to make way for improved stopbanks that will help protect communities and vital infrastructure from the increasing risk of severe weather events. 

The popular market attracts thousands of visitors, so the new location was selected as it’s close to the current market site, can host existing stallholders, and is well-connected to public transport and parking. 

A confirmed relocation date will be announced well ahead of the move to allow stallholders and the public time to prepare.

Melling Bridge and Block Road evening closures 

We will be carrying out important flood protection work along Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River in August that means some night-time road closures at Melling to allow for tree removal on both sides of the river.

Because the trees are close to Melling Bridge, health and safety requirements mean it will need to be closed to all traffic between 9pm and 5am from 12–18 August (weather permitting).

Pedestrian and cyclist movements across the bridge will be catered for under intermittent escort (on both sides of the bridge). However, we advise cyclists and pedestrians planning to use the bridge after 9pm on these nights to consider alternate routes.

For the same reasons, Block Road in Melling will also be closed in both directions between 9pm and 5am from 12–21 August. Pedestrian and cyclist movements on the adjacent trail will also be catered for under escort.

Detours for both road closures will be signposted.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we get this important work completed.

Interested in a career in infrastructure?

It was great to see so many passionate young people interested in infrastructure at last month’s Lower Hutt CareersFest and Girls in Infrastructure events.

We loved sharing our stories and the opportunities a career in civil infrastructure can bring. From traffic management to structural design, environmental science to planning and consenting, machine operations to health and safety – there's something for everyone.

Current career and internship opportunities

With construction activity ramping up over the coming months, more than 20 new roles will be advertised between now and December 2025: from engineers and administrators to CAD operators and environmental specialists.

Current vacancies with Fletcher Construction include:

• Senior Quantity Surveyor 

Fletcher Construction is also recruiting for Summer Internships 2025/26 — ideal for students studying engineering or quantity surveying. Applications close on 9 August 2025.

If you are interested in a career with Fletcher Construction, part of the Alliance delivering the Melling Transport Improvements project for Te Awa Kairangi programme, email recruitment@fcc.co.nz.

Explore your next career move 
To stay updated on opportunities across the entire project, including roles with Fletcher Construction and other programme partners, set up a custom search on SEEK using “Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi.” 

Be part of delivering Lower Hutt’s largest infrastructure programme. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience, build a career, and contribute to the future of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai. Feel free to pass this on to anyone who might be interested.

Melling station closure in late December 

Melling station will close in late December to allow construction of the Melling Transport Improvements to get underway. During this time the Melling line will terminate at Western Hutt.

Metlink is developing a range of travel alternatives to help passengers plan ahead and will be sharing details as the date gets closer. Stay connected and up to date with progress at www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news.

Getting ready for Melling construction  

In September, you’ll start to see us ramping up activities around Lower Hutt in preparation for starting work on the Melling Transport Improvements.

Expect to see material deliveries, portacoms popping up, more fencing, and the relocation of underground services ahead of main construction starting early next year.