The government is coughing up an extra $86 million to help fix a section of State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge in the Far North, much to the relief of residents.
The $100 million project should restore the road to its original state, before severe weather forced its closure in August.
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania says he'd been preparing for a long fight with the government to seek funding for fixing the road, but he's relieved he can take his boxing gloves off.
Tepania spoke to Gyles Beckford.
