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Tairāwhiti/Gisborne & Eastern Bay of Plenty combined state highway updateWeather event response |
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16 February 2026 |
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Community update 15Kia ora koutou, Today’s community update covers the latest on the state highway network in Tairāwhiti and Eastern Bay of Plenty. Specifically, we’re sharing the latest updates on:
If you're travelling tonight and tomorrow, please drive with extra care and make sure to check Journey Planner or Facebook before you go for the most up-to-date state highway conditions. Please be aware that things can change quickly due to weather or other unexpected issues.
Weather update Information is current as at 5pm Monday 16 February |
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Current situation
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SH2 Waioweka GorgeFollowing geotech assessment of ground conditions in the Waioweka Gorge this morning and damage/clean up required, Monday evening convoys will be going ahead, as follows:
From tomorrow, Tuesday 17 February, the convoys will return to a normal timetable:
Strict safety protocols will be in place to manage the safety of convoys. Convoys will proceed only if spotters on site confirm that it is safe to do so. Please check the NZTA Waikato and Bay of Plenty Facebook page for latest updates on the convoys. Some parts of the route are still down to a single lane, including the narrowest point at the Goldsmiths slip site, where the road is only 4.5 metres wide (image below, top left). Our crews are continuing with final drain/culvert checks and debris removal, clearance of a stream dam at the top of Goldsmiths slip, and deep culvert replacement. We've brought in a more powerful pump to help with the blocked culvert in this slip (image below, bottom left). Water is travelling between the shiny rock surface and the loose material sitting on top of it. When enough water builds up, it can cause that loose material to slide. Over time, even smaller flows can scour the slope, acting like a lubricant and weakening it further. there is a significant amount of loose material sitting there, and we can't predict when it might give way. A spider excavator will begin work today in Goldsmiths slip to reduce the risk of rock and soil falling from the top of the cliff during future rain, climbing the slip to remove the loose material. Following drilling, anchor installation and testing this week, from next week work will start to move material down to the road (image below, at right). |
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Tairāwhiti updateOur crews have been out across the state highway network throughout the morning and afternoon, with no major issues to report. Safety and geotechnical teams began their assessments yesterday, and they will continue tomorrow. |
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SH35 Pōtaka to Wharekahika/Hicks BayThis section of SH35 is closed. However, Pōtaka to Hicks Bay piloted convoys for lifeline services, emergency services and residents only restarted this afternoon from 4.30pm. Convoys will continue at the times below.
Convoys are intended to provide access for residents, lifelines and other essential services only, until further notice.
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Wharekahika/Hicks Bay to Te Araroa
Remains closed |
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Te Araroa to TikitikiThe road has reopened between Taurangakoau Bridge and Te Araroa, restoring access between Te Araroa and Gisborne. Trees down overnight |
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Community travel informationWe encourage you to plan ahead, or delay your journey, if possible. If you do need to travel on the roads, please drive with extra care and make sure to check Journey Planner or Facebook before you go for the latest state highway conditions. If you see any issues on the state highways, report them to 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) |
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Ngā mihi nuiThank you for your patience while we work to restore access. Thank you for supporting the teams working hard to reconnect Tairāwhiti and the Eastern Bay of Plenty. |
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