ROADING UPDATE – ŌTOROHANGA DISTRICT

UPDATED 21 APRIL 2026

Pirongia West Road: open for light vehicles (utes and cars only)

The road is open but there are sections that are not suitable for heavy vehicles including trucks, as it’s too narrow and the bends are too sharp. We are continuing work with the aim of fully reopening this road in due course.

The bush section was closed between 13 April and the morning of 14 April due to a slip. The slip and trees have now been cleared. 

PAEWHENUA ROAD RE-OPENED (17 APRIL 2026) 

In anticipation of the severe weather forecast for 11-13 April (Cyclone Vaianu), Paewhenua Road was closed from Lurman Road for 1km south from 5pm on Saturday 11 April. The closure was put in place because several farm dams in the area were damaged during the February storms, and the expected weather meant the risk was significantly higher. The road was not reopened until the area was confirmed safe.

Previous updates:

NZTA STATE HIGHWAY 39 – TEMPORARY MANGATI BRIDGE NOW OPEN! Awesome news – NZTA on 20 March 2026 opened their temporary bridge on State Highway 39. This bridge reconnects the community south of Pirongia. It's a single lane bridge operated by traffic lights and has a 50 tonne weight limit. The original bridge was destroyed in the February floods.

• For inquiries about this bridge, you can email NZTA: [email protected]. 
• For the latest information on state highways, please check the NZTA Waka Kotahi online journey planner.

Mangati Road Bridge – Ōtorohanga District Council and contractors installed a permanent bridge on 17 March to replace the one washed out in the February floods. It opened on 19 March 2026.

Lurman Road (Maihiihi) – Now open. Please drive with caution.

Otewa Road – Open with one lane. Please drive with caution through the marked lane. Do not stop or walk under the slip. Drivers of large vehicles are advised to take particular care and make their own judgment about whether to proceed.

ROADS OPEN WITH ONE LANE ONLY

The following roads are open but have sections reduced to one lane due to slips or dropouts (where land underneath the road has fallen away).

Contractors are working on these roads and delays may occur. Thank you for your patience.

• Aotearoa Road

• Bayley Road

• Hikurangi Road

• Kio Kio Station Road

• Kiwi Road

• Maihiihi Road

• Ngaroma Road

• Otewa Road (drivers of large vehicles should make their own judgment whether to proceed)

• Lurman Road

• Otoru Road

• SH31 (between SH39 and Ngutunui Road)

• Tauraroa Valley Road

• Taupaki Road

• Te Kawa Road

• Wairehi Road