A first-of-its-kind project in New Zealand has seen Selwyn District Council recognised for innovation with one of the country’s top transport awards.

The Council, alongside Treadlite, was awarded the Fruehauf Outstanding Contribution to Innovation Award at the Road Freight Industry Awards for its project to build the country’s first road made of rubber.

The award is one of the highest honours in New Zealand’s road transport sector and recognises projects that are driving meaningful change across the industry.

The Glentunnel trial transformed nearly 1,800 end-of-life tyres into road surface, which was laid in March, diverting waste from landfill and saving an estimated 20–30 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Installed on Glentunnel Domain Road, the trial includes three different rubberised surfaces to test how they work in Selwyn’s climate.

A large yellow roller machine rolls a road in a campgroundInternationally, rubberised roads have been shown to last longer, be quieter, and be better suited to extreme weather conditions, while also reducing reliance on imported bitumen which saves money on long-term maintenance.

Council Executive Director Infrastructure and Property Tim Mason said the award reflects both the scale of the challenge and the value of innovative thinking.

“We’re really proud of the team and all the partners who’ve made this work. It’s about building smarter. If we can deliver roads that last longer and cost less to maintain, that’s a direct benefit for our ratepayers.”

The project also responds to a growing national issue, with more than six million tyres reaching end-of-life in New Zealand each year, Mr Mason said .

“This is a practical solution that shows how councils and industry can work together to deliver better outcomes,” he said.

Last modified: 08 Jul 2026 2:11pm