Motu Road is likely to remain closed for several months as investigation work is carried out on a significant slip.

In mid-November a section of Motu Road gave way near the Ōpōtiki district boundary between Papamoa Hill and Whitikau Road (around the 35-kilometre mark).  

The road has been closed on both sides of the slip since then.

Ōpōtiki District Council asset manager, Jessica Wiseman said it was a significant slip, stretching around 100 metres from head to toe with channels through the road bench.  

“At this stage the site is too unstable for any clearing works. Because the road bench appears to be gone, any repairs will likely be large-scale and require careful planning before works can begin,” Ms Wiseman said.

The council will continue to monitor the slip’s movement, and the road will remain closed while further investigation work is carried out.

Ms Wiseman said was a hazardous area - debris was still moving, and large rocks and vegetation continued to fall, so the public should keep well clear of the site.

Motu Road usually carries around 35 vehicles a day and many cyclists use it as its own ride, or to access the upper part of the Pakihi Track.  

Pakihi Track is still open and cyclists can get to the start of the trail from State Highway 2via the Matawai and Motu Village, with shuttles available.

Ms Wiseman, said the initial report provided several early options once the area had stabilised, but none of them would be simple.

“This isn’t a straightforward “clear and repair” situation - a section of the road has been completely taken out by the slip,” she said.

“Possible solutions include re-routing the road to bypass the slip (which would mean building more than 1km of road through challenging terrain); retreating the road or clearing the slip and constructing bridge works across the lost road bench.

Ms Wiseman said before any decisions could be made, the area needed time to settle, with further investigations then required.  

“Investigative works will continue, and we’ll also need to approach Waka Kotahi NZTA to help cover the costs of this work. So, unfortunately, the road will remain closed through Christmas, likely throughout the summer months and possibly longer, depending on what is decided.  

“We know how much this is impacting local residents and businesses and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding,” Ms Wiseman said.