New road closures have been put in place on State Highways 2 and 35 north and south of Gisborne.

Large trees have fallen over the road on SH2 between Wairoa and Gisborne, in addition to trees down on SH35 and SH2 north of Gisborne.

3.15pm Update: The State Highway 2 closure south of Gisborne has now been extended to Wairoa, due to more fallen trees – the closure now extends from Muriwai to Wairoa.

As of 2.30pm:

• SH2 between Nūhaka and Muriwai north of Wairoa is CLOSED
• SH2 between Ormond and north of Waioweka Gorge is CLOSED
• SH35 between Ōpōtiki to Okitu, just north of Gisborne is CLOSED
• SH50 Breakwater Road between the intersection with Hardinge Road and Coote Road is CLOSED, due to the risk of rockfall from Bluff Hill

These closures will remain in place until at least 8 o’clock tomorrow morning following an engineering assessment.

Crews monitoring the network had been hoping to clear trees as quickly as possible however conditions are not conducive to working safely.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is getting reports of more trees falling, along with power lines in some areas causing concern.

In all areas of the regions, please avoid unnecessary travel if you can or, if you do need to travel, take your time, be careful and drive to the conditions.

With wind warnings in place, usual road closure signage may be too dangerous to install in some areas. Motorists should look out for a contractor's vehicle blocking the road or other visible indicators that signal a road closure. 

12 April 2026

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