Weather Event - Road Closures Update 15 October 2025

UPDATE 15 OCT 2025 3PM

Okupata Road is now open to two lanes, but restricted to vehicles under 27 tonnes. All other council managed roads across the district are open, but our teams are continuing to monitor conditions closely in case this changes.

SH31 – the road to Kāwhia is closed, this road is managed by NZTA, the best way to stay up to date is by following NZTA’s journey planner https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

Please take extra care when travelling, as there are still active slips on Harbour Road, Hauturu Road and Kaimango Road.

A huge thank you to our communities for your patience and resilience throughout this - we really appreciate your support and understanding.

TARGA RALLY UPDATE 
We’ve now had confirmation from Ultimate Rally Group about tomorrow’s (Thursday 16 October) Targa Rally stages in our district.

GOING AHEAD:

• SS11 Mangare: Mangare, Landing and Pukewhau Roads
• SS12 Wairehi–Ngaroma: Wairehi, Taupaki, Aotearoa, Waipari, Mangawhio, Ngaroma, Tolley, Wynyard, Hingaia, Bayley and Loop Roads

CANCELLED:

• SS13 Mangatutu–Otewa
• SS14 Honikiwi area – Mangamahoe, Te Raumauku, Bromley and Turitea Roads
• SS15 Kāwhia Harbour – Harbour Road and all connected side roads including Hauturu, Rakaunui, Whenuaapo, Waipuna and Te Waitere Roads

Please note that Harbour Road and surrounding areas will not be used for the rally tomorrow.
We’ll continue to monitor conditions and share any further updates if plans change.

Council and NZTA have crews out and about checking and (where possible) clearing roads and State Highways. As information becomes available, we will update this news item. While the rain has ceased the rivers and waterways remain high. There is still surface flooding in many areas.