Severe weather this week has caused significant damage to roads in the Thames-Coromandel region, leaving some areas inaccessible. Photos from NZTA show the extent of the damage, including slips, fallen trees, and swollen waterways.
Road Closures and Recovery Efforts
Parts of the East Coast remain cut off due to road closures. According to NZTA Waikato System Manager Andy Oakley, many restrictions will likely remain in place through the upcoming long weekend. Crews are actively working to clear debris and assess damage, but progress is hampered by ongoing instability in some areas.
Oakley stated that several significant slips are still moving and will require days to fully clear, with work pausing at times to ensure the safety of both road users and work crews. The two most concerning areas are located on SH25 at Kūaotunu and between Whiritoa and Whangamatā.
The impact of the storm extends beyond major roadways. New World Whangamatā reported being “currently cut off from the outside world,” with empty bread shelves, but indicated that bakers are working to produce fresh goods and emergency supplies are expected to arrive via convoy.
Wider Regional Impacts
The severe weather’s effects were felt beyond the Coromandel Peninsula. Power outages impacted thousands of customers, though Powerco reported progress in restoration efforts, with approximately 1500 customers still without power as of 9:30 am today – a significant decrease from the 5700 affected yesterday afternoon.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the Thames-Coromandel region Friday morning, urging residents to remain vigilant and heed warnings about potential landslides and falling trees. He emphasized the importance of calling 111 if such hazards are observed.
Tragically, the wider Bay of Plenty region also experienced devastating consequences. In Pāpamoa, two people died after a house was damaged by a slip. In Mount Maunganui, a landslide at a campground has left six people unaccounted for, including two teenagers.
Current Road Status (as of this report)
The following sections of State Highway are still CLOSED:
- SH 25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West/Matarangi
- SH 25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa
OPEN with caution (traffic management in place)
- SH25 Coromandel town to Matarangi /Kūaotunu West
- SH 2 Paeroa to Waihi (Karangahake Gorge)
CLOSED but scheduled to OPEN from 7pm tonight:
- SH25 Hikuai to Whangamatā
NZTA has stated that regaining access in and out of Whangamatā via SH25 to Hikuai and reopening the SH2 Karangahake Gorge between Paeroa and Waihi are top priorities, with an expected reopening time of 7pm tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently most affected by road closures?
SH 25 between Kūaotunu and Kūaotunu West/Matarangi, and between Whangamatā and Whiritoa, are currently closed. SH25 Hikuai to Whangamatā is scheduled to reopen at 7pm tonight.
What is being done to restore power to affected areas?
Powerco crews are working to repair and restore power, and have reduced the number of customers without power from 5700 to approximately 1500 as of 9:30 am today.
What advice is being given to residents in the affected areas?
Residents are urged to “stay alert and look for warning signs” of landslides and falling trees, and to call 111 if they observe any hazards.
As recovery efforts continue, will the long weekend bring further challenges to those impacted by the recent storms?
