Coromandel businesses are popping the champagne in anticipation of State Highway 25A reopening three months earlier than planned. 

The route between Kōpū and Hikuai —badly damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle— will be in business by December 20. 

The tourism-reliant area suffered a severe economic downturn following the route's closure. 

Mercury Bay Business Association Chair, Lynda Grant, told Kate Hawkesby that while there was a little bit of hope, nobody really thought it would reopen before Christmas.  

She said that it’s a win-win for everyone. 

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