A police-led rescue operation is underway in New Zealand’s eastern North Island after multiple landslips and flooding stranded travellers along State Highway 2 in the Waioeka Gorge, authorities said on Friday.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) confirmed the highway would remain closed between Matawai and Waioweka, after heavy rain triggered land slips and surface flooding that made conditions unsafe for crews to clear debris.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Nicky Cooney said police were working closely with partner agencies to reach people believed to be stuck between slip zones.
“If you have any loved ones travelling on State Highway 2 in the area who haven’t checked in with you, please contact 105 and quote event number P065149924,” Cooney said. She added that welfare checks and assessments of access routes were continuing, with safety the top priority amid unstable ground and ongoing weather risks.
While SH2 between Matawai and Gisborne reopened at 6pm on Friday, the closure through Waioeka Gorge means the key arterial route does not currently connect Gisborne and the East Coast to the rest of the North Island. Authorities warned the disruption could continue while conditions remain hazardous.
NZTA urged drivers who are able to travel on reopened sections of SH2 to proceed with extreme caution, drive to the conditions and expect delays. Road users across the wider region were advised to stay alert for the potential of further flooding, falling debris and short-notice closures as weather systems continue to affect the area.
Emergency services reiterated that motorists should avoid non-essential travel through affected corridors and heed all road closure signs. Updates on road status and rescue efforts will be provided as assessments continue and conditions allow for safe access and clearance operations.
