“This is further supported by the flexibility provided by our recent twin berth project.
“With more kiwifruit vessels still to arrive, the port remains well-positioned for a strong finish to the season,” she said.
The freighter Cold Stream arrived from Curacao to load kiwifruit on Monday and was scheduled to depart on Tuesday to load more cargo in Tauranga.
Other kiwifruit shipments are due on April 18 and 22, and another possibly on May 11.
SH35 partially reopens
A stretch of State Highway 35 near the Punaruku slip site north of Te Araroa will remain closed most of Tuesday.
A precautionary closure on Friday evening covered SH35 to Waikura Rd near Pōtaka over the weekend, but it was reopened on Monday afternoon.
“State Highway 35 between Potaka and Hicks Bay is now open,” NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said mid-afternoon on Monday.
“Temporary traffic management is in place at various locations, including signalised stop-go sites.
“Please take extra care and expect delays when travelling through the area.”
Heavy rain in the area prompted the weekend closure.
“At least 120mm of rain has been recorded in the area in a 24-hour period, which exceeded the pre-determined safety thresholds for those sites,” NZTA said.
“The road there is still in a very fragile state, so we closed it to protect road users.”
The NZTA Journey Planner website indicated that the stretch of SH35 from Hicks Bay to Te Araroa remained closed as of mid-afternoon Monday.
“Next update 5pm, 31st March,” the website reads.
Consultation opens on draft waste management and minimisation plan
Gisborne District Council has opened consultation on its draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) 2025–2031.
Councils must adopt and review a Waste Management and Minimisation Plan every six years.
Solid Waste Manager Phil Nickerson said engagement over the past year helped shape the Tairāwhiti draft WMMP, including conversations with iwi and hapū, community groups, rural communities, businesses and waste operators.
“It sets out practical steps people asked for: clearer recycling information, more consistent services, better recovery options and fairer access for rural communities,” Nickerson said.
Submissions can be made on the council website. They close at 5pm on April 23.
The full draft plan can also be found on the council website.
“There is already a lot of great mahi happening across the region. This plan builds on that work and brings more consistency to how services operate.
“It also sets out how we’ll reduce illegal dumping and support better recovery across both urban and rural areas.”
