With a short, localised downpour forecast for yesterday afternoon, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi cancelled its planned 5pm and 7pm convoys through the Waioweka Gorge.

Four convoys are planned to run today before the road is closed through the weekend, because of the Metservice issuing an orange heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tolaga Bay.

Convoys today will run at:

• Gisborne bound – start point: Goldsmith Reserve. Departing at: 7.00am, 11.00am
• Ōpōtiki bound – start point: Matawai (Te Wera Road intersection). Departing at: 9.00am, 1.00pm,

State Highway 35 will also be closed from Pōtaka at Lottin Point Road south to Mangaowira Stream bridge to ensure the safety of all road users and crew members.

Over the past few days, there have been some essential and lifeline service convoys taking place through the closures. However, these will be cancelled over the weekend (from 6pm tomorrow tonight).

A safety inspection will take place on Sunday to assess the condition of the road when it is safe to do so before further decisions are made.

NZTA advises those travelling on other parts of SH35 during the weekend to take extreme care. “These parts of the road have also seen large volumes of water recently, so please drive to the conditions and be alert.

“People should only travel if they must and be prepared for the road to close at short notice if weather conditions or risk assessments change.”

“With further bad weather on the way its important people slow down, be patient and drive with care and to the conditions.