State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge, the primary route connecting Gisborne and Ōpōtiki, is expected to remain closed for several weeks. Heavy rainfall triggered dozens of landslides and washouts, forcing the rescue of more than 40 motorists by helicopter on Friday.
Significant Rainfall and Extensive Damage
The extreme weather event delivered 322mm of rain in just 48 hours – double the area’s typical January rainfall. This intense precipitation transformed gullies into waterfalls and overwhelmed existing drainage systems throughout the gorge.
According to Roger Brady, NZTA Waikato and Bay of Plenty maintenance and operations manager, initial assessments underestimated the extent of the damage. “We want to be upfront that this is not something we can fix in a few days. The damage is significant, and reopening the road safely will likely take a few weeks,” Brady stated.
Crews have been working over the weekend to clear smaller slips, allowing access to the more substantial and dangerous sites. Currently, up to 40 slips have been confirmed, with four to eight major slips concentrated at both ends of the gorge.
Authorities emphasize that the safety of work crews remains the top priority, given the ongoing risk of falling debris and unstable ground. Motorists are advised to postpone travel or utilize lengthy detours via State Highway 35 or State Highway 5.
Rescue Operation and Ongoing Assessment
The road closure followed a large-scale rescue operation on Friday, when dozens of motorists found themselves stranded between multiple landslides. By midnight, over 40 individuals had been safely evacuated.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney described the operation as a “significant effort,” confirming that all individuals known to be in the gorge had been accounted for. A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter played a crucial role, rescuing 35 people from Manganuku Campsite and transporting them to welfare centers in Ōpōtiki and Matawai.
Flight Lieutenant George Bellamy noted the timing of the rescues was critical. “We managed to complete all the rescues just as the weather began to deteriorate, meaning we likely couldn’t have done much more. Without the coordination on the ground, there could have been unprepared people left out overnight.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much rain fell in the Waioweka Gorge?
322mm of rain fell in 48 hours, which is double the area’s average rainfall for the month of January.
How many slips have been confirmed?
Up to 40 slips have been confirmed, including four to eight major slips at both ends of the gorge.
What are motorists advised to do?
Motorists are advised to delay travel or take lengthy detours via State Highway 35 or State Highway 5.
As crews continue to assess the full extent of the damage, the timeline for reopening State Highway 2 remains uncertain. It is possible that repairs could extend beyond the initial estimate of several weeks, depending on the stability of the hillside and the severity of the damage to the road base.
