Key Takeaways:
- Major slips and flooding have affected several areas in Northland, including Ngunguru, Helena Bay, akura, Punaruku, and Whangaruru.
- Some roads are closed, and others are only accessible by four-wheel-drive, with dozens of roads affected by flooding, slips, washed out bridges, and fallen trees.
- Several Department of Conservation (DoC) sites across Northland are closed, including the Cape Brett Track, Pūriri Bay and Waikahoa Bay campsites, and the Tane Mahuta walk.
- Businesses in the area are still open, but visitors are advised to drive carefully and be cautious due to the weather conditions.
- More rain and wind are expected in the area, with possible thunderstorms on Saturday.
Introduction to the Situation
The recent relentless downpours in Northland have caused significant disruptions to the region, with major slips and flooding affecting several areas. Manager Michael Pita reported that there were major slips both ways along Whangaruru North Rd, and as a result, he cancelled all bookings for the long weekend and closed the camp until further notice. The last of the campers made it out on Monday, and Pita emphasized that the roads and resources are already under extreme pressure, and allowing more people into the area would only add more pressure.
Assessing the Damage
The areas worst hit by the flooding and slips included Ngunguru, Helena Bay, akura, Punaruku, and Whangaruru, with no road access to those communities. Elliot Bay Campground manager Steve Fray reported that more slips came down on Wednesday night, and road workers were out clearing them on Thursday morning. Despite the challenges, Fray stated that visitors could travel via the pua ferry to the Russell side, and by the weekend, the Russell side would be "good as gold" with a lot of progress being made. He praised the road crews for their incredible work in clearing the roads.
Recovery Efforts
Further north, Taupō Bay Holiday Park manager Cora Urlich said that while there was "plenty of damage" to the property, the campsite was open for business this weekend. The damage was "pretty typical" for a creek-side campsite, and Urlich stated that they had systems in place to recover from the damage. She advised that the power was out all day on Thursday, and there was no running water, but they were dealing with people who already had bookings, and were not encouraging new visitors to come when the weather was bad.
Businesses and Infrastructure
Northland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Leah McKerrow stated that businesses, particularly those in Whangārei, had been taking steps to ensure they were open. She praised the council road crews for their hard work in clearing the roads quickly and ensuring that businesses could operate. McKerrow encouraged people to visit the area, stating that it was still warm and beautiful, but advised visitors to drive carefully and be cautious due to the weather conditions.
Road Closures and Conditions
As of Thursday afternoon, all state highways were open, according to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). However, dozens of local roads were closed due to flooding, slips, washed out bridges, and fallen trees. In the Far North, three local roads were closed, and another 23 roads were down to one lane or only accessible by four-wheel-drive. In Whangārei, nine roads were closed, and caution was advised on another 30 roads. Several Department of Conservation (DoC) sites across Northland were also closed, including the Cape Brett Track, Pūriri Bay and Waikahoa Bay campsites, and the Tane Mahuta walk.
Weather Forecast
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane warned that more rain and wind were on the way for Te Tai Tokerau. Some showers were expected from Friday, with rain and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday. A possible thunderstorm on Saturday could bring intense bursts of rain, and Monday would still be windy but easing. The weather forecast highlighted the need for visitors to exercise caution and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent flooding and slips in Northland have caused significant disruptions to the region, with several areas affected and roads closed. Despite the challenges, businesses in the area are still open, and visitors are advised to drive carefully and be cautious due to the weather conditions. With more rain and wind expected in the area, it is essential for visitors to stay informed and plan their trips accordingly. By being aware of the road closures and weather forecast, visitors can still enjoy their trip to Northland while minimizing the risks associated with the weather conditions.
