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February 14, 2026
#regional: State Highway 35 to Closed last night as Heavy Rain Threatens Fragile Tairāwhiti Route
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On February 14, 2026
State Highway 35 between Lottin Point Road at Pōtaka and the Taurangakoau Bridge south of Te Araroa closedfrom 6pm tonight, Friday 13 February, as authorities moved to get ahead of forecast heavy rain across the region.
The closure will remain in place until 6am Monday 16 February, although officials say the road could shut earlier if weather conditions deteriorate.
Transport officials say safety is the only consideration behind the decision, describing SH35 as being in a fragile state following recent weather events. The closure is aimed at protecting both motorists and roadworkers, particularly in remote and high-risk sections of the route.
The stretch of SH35 south of the Taurangakoau Bridge will remain open to Gisborne at this stage.
The move comes as heavy rain is forecast for Tairāwhiti over the weekend, raising concerns about further slips, debris falls and flooding across a corridor already under pressure.
Road crews have been working intensively in recent days to prepare the route ahead of the weather system. That work has included clearing larger box culverts and drains, removing vegetation, and continuing rock scaling at the Punaruku slip – one of the most challenging and difficult sections to access between Hicks Bay and Punaruku.
Officials say crews will attempt to carry out safety assessments on Sunday 15 February, but only if conditions allow. They stress that ensuring workers return home safely to their whānau each day remains a top priority.
The repeated closures highlight the ongoing vulnerability of SH35, a critical lifeline for coastal communities across the East Coast, connecting small settlements with health services, supplies and essential infrastructure.
Residents are being urged to stay updated through official transport channels and community email alerts, as conditions may change quickly depending on rainfall intensity.
Waatea News will continue to monitor developments across Tairāwhiti as the weather system moves through the region.
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