Gisborne News Digest: Warning about SH35, suitable land for spoil dumping

Damage to State Highway 35 from a landslide. Photo / NZTA

Warnings have been issued after reports of a near miss on an active work site along weather-damaged State Highway 35.

The Wharekahika/Hicks Bay-based Te Aroha Kanarahi Trust, in a post shared by Tairāwhiti Civil Defence, said the road between Te Araroa and Wharekahika remained closed.

“The hill is still moving and is an active WORK SITE. There is SERIOUS risk to life. There has already been a near miss with operators unaware of people trying to get through on [four-] wheelers unapproved by our komiti,” the post read.

“Kuru contractors have been notified by police and NZTA, NOT to let people through. The police have also been informed and will be keeping an eye on things.

“We have been very fortunate not to lose any lives in this event and we want to keep it that way. We want our access to Te Araroa opened asap so let the road workers do their job and stay off.”

Civil Defence said the road there remained ”incredibly fragile”.

Search on for suitable land for dumping

The search is on for suitable sites to deal with the tonnes of silt from the recent weather event.

Gisborne District Council is seeking land in the Rangatukia, Te Araroa, Wharekahika and Matakāoa areas to dump clean fill after it is cleared from roads.

“It will not contain vegetation or rubbish – just dirt,” the council said.

“It is a chance to build up and stabilise land, or turn unsafe or unusable land into solid, usable ground.”

The council said anyone who thought their land may be suitable or who wanted to kōrero and understand what’s involved could get in touch with Tom Reynolds at 021 251 6081.

Missing Gisborne youth

Police have asked for help to locate 17-year-old Kymani, who is missing in Gisborne. He was last seen on February 1 near the Midway surf club. Photo / Supplied

Police have asked for help to locate 17-year-old Kymani, who is missing in Gisborne.

He was last seen on February 1 near the Midway surf club.

Police and his family have concerns for his wellbeing.

Kymani has long, curly brown hair and light facial hair.

He was wearing a black T-shirt, blue jean shorts and a greenstone necklace when he went missing.

“If you see him, please call 111 and use the reference number 260203/1673,” police said.

“If you have information that may assist in locating him, please make a report via 105.”

The case remained open as of Thursday afternoon.

‘Something for everyone’ at Family-Friendly Triathlon

Eastland Triathlon & Multisport Club is holding a Family-Friendly Triathlon on Saturday, February 14.

The club says the free event is “perfect for first-timers, kids, parents, and adults wanting to give something new a try”.

It will be based at Kiwa Pools and will start at 9am.

The course will feature a swim in the outdoor pool, a cycle along Centennial Marine Drive and a run around the Kiwa Pools block.

The club is still finalising distances but said “there’ll be something for everyone”.

Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Entries will be taken on the day.

“This event is a chance for us to gauge interest, with plans to run another triathlon in March,” the club said. “If there’s enough interest, we’ll also organise training sessions in the weeks between to help you build skills and confidence. Bring your mates, bring the kids, bring the whānau – we would love to see everybody out there giving it a go.”

Suspicious car fire

A car was burnt out in suspicious circumstances off the road along Centennial Marine Drive late on Wednesday night.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand received 111 calls about the blaze around 11.40pm.

“The car was well alight when the fire crew arrived,” a senior firefighter said.

“It was burnt-out.”

He said the cause of the fire was “suspicious”.