Maori spirits in motorway 

A notorious traffic black spot in northern Waikato looks set to remain for the time being as Transit New Zealand attempts to accommodate concerns from local Maori who believe the area is home to spiritual guardians.

The demands of the modern world have collided head-on with those from the past as talks with Maori leaders failed on Thursday night.

Maori believe Taniwha, or spiritual guardians, reside in the area where work has already started upgrading State Highway 1.

Maori mythology says the three Taniwha: Karutahi, Waiwai, and Te Iaroa, have a reputation for good deeds but can turn nasty if they are not respected.

Transist New Zealand wants to re-align the road to make it safer and has talked with Ngati Naho to try and accommodate their concerns.

But Ngati Naho maintain more concern should be directed at speeding and overtaking in the area but say they do not want to hold up safety improvements to the highway.