Key Takeaways:
- A massive landslide has collapsed part of State Highway 35 on the East Cape, cutting off coastal communities between Pōtaka and Tikitiki.
- The recovery effort is expected to take weeks, with an estimated 500,000 cubic meters of material to be removed.
- State Highway 2, between Gisborne and pōtiki, is still closed, forcing a long detour through Napier.
- The closure of State Highway 35 has significant impacts on the local community, including limited access to health services, supplies, and utilities.
- Crews are working to reopen access to Hicks Bay and Te Araroa, with the goal of restoring connectivity between the two communities.
Introduction to the Landslide
The East Cape region of New Zealand’s North Island has been severely impacted by a ferocious storm that has caused widespread damage and disruption to the area’s transportation network. One of the most significant challenges facing the region is the collapse of part of State Highway 35, which has been overrun by a massive landslide. The landslide, located in Punakaru, near Te Araroa Camp and on the way to Hicks Bay, has completely blocked the road, cutting off coastal communities between Pōtaka and Tikitiki. According to Rua Pani, NZTA regional manager for maintenance and operations, the recovery effort will be a significant undertaking, requiring weeks of work to clear the slip.
Assessing the Damage
The extent of the damage caused by the landslide is substantial, with an estimated 500,000 cubic meters of material needing to be removed across the whole of State Highway 35. The landslide has not only blocked the road but has also caused significant damage to the surrounding area, including the destruction of a section of the Taurangakoau Bridge over Mangaowira Stream. Crews are working to secure contractor access across the bridge, and Pani is urging people to exercise caution when driving in the open sections of State Highway 35, where workers are still clearing debris, trees, and culverts. The situation is further complicated by the closure of State Highway 2, between Gisborne and pōtiki, which is forcing a long detour through Napier and State Highway 5 to Taupō for those heading north.
Impact on Local Communities
The closure of State Highway 35 has significant implications for the local community, particularly in terms of access to essential services and supplies. Tash Wanoa, Te Araroa civil defence co-ordinator, emphasizes that State Highway 35 is a "critical lifeline roading network" for communities on the East Cape, connecting them to health services, lifeline utilities, and supplies like supermarkets and fuel. The closure of the road has cut off Te Araroa, and Wanoa is hoping that access will be restored soon. The Hicks Bay and Te Araroa communities are closely connected, with Hicks Bay relying on Matakoa Health Centre in Te Araroa for health services and fuel. The volunteer fire brigades also work together, and Te Araroa will now have to access St John services from Ruatoria, about 30-45 minutes away on a good day.
Recovery Efforts
Crews are working to reopen access to Hicks Bay and Te Araroa, with the goal of restoring connectivity between the two communities. Once State Highway 35 on both ends is reopened, Hicks Bay residents will have the option to go to pōtiki, and Te Araroa residents will be able to go to Gisborne. Pani acknowledges that the detour caused by the closure of State Highway 2 is problematic for the community, businesses, and freight, and is working to reopen the link as soon as possible. The recovery effort will require significant resources and time, but it is essential to restore the critical lifeline that State Highway 35 provides to the local community. As the region begins the long process of recovery, it is clear that the impact of the landslide will be felt for some time to come.
