New Zealand councils use cheaper chip seal over asphalt for roads, prioritizing cost and durability despite public preference for smoother surfaces.

New Zealand’s Waikato and Bay of Plenty councils are using chip seal instead of asphalt for most road maintenance due to its lower cost—five times cheaper—despite public preference for asphalt’s smoother surface. Chip seal, which involves spraying bitumen and spreading stone chips, effectively prevents water damage and potholes on local roads with moderate traffic. Officials say asphalt’s higher cost doesn’t justify its benefits for these roads, and councils must prove a strong return on investment to qualify for NZTA co-funding. Tauranga is testing new surface treatments that aim to improve chip seal’s appearance while keeping costs low. Work will continue through March 2026, prioritizing fiscal responsibility and long-term road integrity over public preference or ride quality.