The wild weather over the last 24 hours has caused a large slip near Whakatāne, resulting in a major road being closed on Monday morning.
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said a new large slip in the Waiotahe Beach area, has closed State Highway 2 between Waiotahe Valley Back Rd and Paerata Ridge Rd, west of Ōpōtiki.
NZTA said they expect the road to be closed for much of Monday.
The slip came down in the early hours of Monday morning following a period of heavy rain in the region.
NZTA said the detour is via Waiotahe Valley Back Road, Verrall Road and Paerata Ridge Road and is not suitable for high-productivity motor vehicles (HPMV).
"Expect long delays with heavy vehicle freight piloted through this detour route periodically, or consider using an alternative route," NZTA said.
This latest slip follows another large landslide on this stretch of highway on October 19, where approximately 10,000 cubic metres of material came down onto the road.
"The region has experienced significant rainfall, coastal surges and strong winds this year, all of which puts pressure on a roading network that is already susceptible to unstable geology," NZTA said.
Showers are expected to ease in the area on Monday, but drivers are reminded to take care and drive to the conditions.
