Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty locals are racing to rescue a group suspected to number at least 70 who have been trapped amid flooding in the Te Urewera forest.
Due to surface flooding, McLaren Falls Park and the Historic Village are closed until further notice.
It also comes as 63 callouts to Fire and Emergency have been made in the Bay of Plenty this weekend, including two rescues, two “priority one” incidents (where there is a confirmed risk to people) and 23 “priority two” incidents (where there is a potential risk to people).
Tauranga City Council civil defence controller Sam Fellows asked people to stay away from flooded areas.
“Currents can be very unpredictable. Floodwaters may also be contaminated with sewage, bacteria and chemical runoff, so we’re asking people to stay away from rivers and floodwaters for their safety.”
He advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, driving through flooded areas or attempting to cross river fords or water-covered roads. He also advised not to go sightseeing.
“Your presence may hamper emergency work.”
Police said there was widespread flooding across the Bay and roads have been heavily affected by slips. Police are asking those in areas experiencing severe weather to stay put and not attempt to travel on the roads, many of which were undrivable.
Police have also assisted with evacuations in the area, with some taking place around Awaiti Place in Hairini, Tauranga.
According to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, as of noon, the highway is closed between SH28, Te Poi and Cambridge Rd, Tauriko.
A Tauranga City Council spokesman said due to the closure of SH29, westbound traffic to Matamata, Hamilton or Waikato should follow SH36 south (towards Rotorua) from Tauranga for 48km to SH5. Turn right and follow signs to Matamata or Hamilton.
Tauranga-bound traffic from SH29 on the west side of the Kaimai Range should use SH28/Rapurapu Rd. After 16km turn left to SH5 and after 36km follow signs to Tauranga via SH36.
Also closed, according to the agency’s noon update, are:
• SH25 Manaia, between Marae Rd and Goldfields Rd, due to flooding
• SH25 Whangamatā to Waihi, Wentworth Valley Rd and Whiritoa Township, due to flooding
• SH30 Tikitere to Rotoma, SH33 and Lake Okataina Rd, due to slips - detour via SH2 and SH33
In a Facebook post, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council said it had been a busy night, monitoring and responding to the weather in the region.
“There have been a number slips [and] road washouts, and our streams and rivers are high.”
The council said a bridge on No 4 Rd in Te Puke has been washed out just upstream of the Raparapahoe Stream. A number of residents have been affected and the council was working closely with them on a possible emergency access track to provide alternative vehicle access out to Te Puke Highway via Manoeka Rd.
Collins Lane/Te Puke Highway remained flooded between Collins Lane and Manoeka Rd, and traffic management was in place allowing vehicles with reasonable ground clearance to pass through.
No 3 Road, Te Puke, is closed at number 1164 (nearly 12km up) due to a large overslip and partial lane underslip - no alternative route is available.
Athenree Recycling Centre will open today on the proviso if it becomes unsafe to operate, the centre will close, the council said.
Anyone who sees any flooding or slips is asked to ring the council as soon as possible on 0800 926 732. Updates can be found on the council’s website and Facebook page.
Local slips, floods and road closures
- Due to surface flooding, McLaren Falls Park is closed until further notice, as is the Historic Village.
- Contractors are currently onsite clearing a slip on Welcome Bay Rd in between Waitaha Rd and James Cook Lane. Traffic management is on site.
- A slip on Pukemapu Rd at the Oropi Rd intersection has been cleared. Traffic management is in place.
- Oropi Rd, near the golf course, is now open after being closed overnight due to flooding.
- The intersection of Welcome Bay Rd and Waitoa Rd is now open, following an overnight closure due to flooding.
- SH29 at Lower Kaimai is also closed after multiple slips. The highway connects Tauranga to the Waikato over the Kaimai Ranges. Waka Kotahi is asking travellers to avoid the area, or delay their journey.
- Slips and fallen trees have been cleared on local walkways. Taipari St to Fantail Drive walkway has been closed as a precaution due to the slips at Egret Ave. Mauao Base track is being monitored closely.
- Please contact Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000 to report flooding, slips or other weather-related issues in your area. In an emergency, dial 111.
