Weather event updates

Date:

2 Oct 2022, 10:59 am

Categories:

News

Updated 4/10/2022 5.20pm

Waka Kotahi now report SH35 is open! (please drive carefully!)

We have a new list we will keep updated on our website - Road status updates - please check there for the most up-to-date information on local roads. For information on State Highways, visit the Waka Kotahi website.

Please note - new slips on Pakihi and on Takaputahi Roads mean those are now blocked again and crews are working on them. Work continues on Motu Road but it is very unstable so remains closed. Tutaetoko Road remains CLOSED.

Remaining closures:

Motu Road – Closed as still very unstable

Tutaetoko Road - crews continue to work and hope to have access available by the end of the day.

Brown Road - Large slip , avoid area. Detours available.

Redpath – remains closed works underway

Takaputahi - closed new slip

Pakihi Road.

Updated 03/10/2022 6:20pm:

SH35 REMAINS CLOSED. There are still a number of slips to be cleared and Waka Kotahi will provide an update in the morning.

Updated 03/10/2022 4.10pm:

A huge thank you to all the crews who have been out today working to open roads and clear slips around our rohe.

More rain is on the way, so please take care and drive to the conditions. Check the Waka Kotahi website before you travel. SH35 is still closed. Both routes to Whakatāne are also open but with extra care.

Local roads still closed:

Ruatuna Road – still partially closed but expected to open tonight or early tomorrow morning

Tutaetoko Road – closed. This is a trickier fix and contractors are working on it. We’ve been in touch with all impacted residents and hope to get the road open by the end of tomorrow

Motu Road - Closed from Omarumutu to Meremere hill. Crews working from both Ōpōtiki and Gisborne ends. Update tomorrow.

Takaputahi Road – Closed and slips still active. Please avoid the area.

Brown Road – closed due to a large slip. Detours in place.

Other roads are passable but slips are still present so please take care, particularly Ōhiwa Harbour, Ōhiwa Loop, Reeves, Pakihi, Tirohanga, Omaramutu, Jackson , Rankin, Wainui, Hiwarau, and Waiotahi Valley Roads.

Wastewater systems have largely returned to normal but surface water will take time to drain with rivers high.

You can also keep up to date with the latest weather information from www.metservice.com.

Update 02/10/2022 2.30pm:

Wainui road is now open. It's down to one lane in places so please take extra care. On all roads in the district, please take extra care as there are extra hazards, potholes, slips and trees and branches. Drive to the conditions.

Update 02/10/2022 12.40pm:

crews are working hard on Wainui road and hope to get it open mid afternoon.

Please note - with high tide about now, Matekerepu corner has water across the road (photo in comments). But Waimana gorge is now open.

With the ground still soaked, please don't travel if you don't need to and take extra care if you are out and about. You can report issues through our Antenno app.

Even if roads are open, please take extra care and drive to the conditions - be aware of potholes, road damage and slippery surfaces.

Update 02/10/2022 10.50am

The weather warnings have been lifted but there is still rain around (and more on the way) and clean-up continues. We have multiple reports of road closures and slips on local roads so please take extra care out there.

There is no access between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki as both Wainui Road and SH2 are currently closed. SH35 is also still closed between Maraenui and Omaio (and via SH2 is pretty sketchy so take care). Please check the Waka Kotahi website before you travel.

River levels are high and stormwater systems are running at capacity. Wastewater systems are slowly catching up but there are still some reports that toilets aren’t flushing well in a few areas of town, so portaloos are available at Rawinia Rangi Reserve if they are needed.

With the heavy and sustained rainfall, regional council are keeping a close eye on our rivers but are not reporting any issues.

Thanks everyone for your patience – our crews have been working so hard over the last couple of days and they are getting to issues as quickly as they can. We really appreciate it!