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A large slip has closed part of Hibiscus Coast Highway at Waiwera, with emergency services evacuating residents and warning motorists to avoid the area as heavy rain continues to lash the upper North Island.
The slip was reported just after 6.30am and has closed a section of the Hibiscus Coast Highway near Weranui Road.
Police acting inspector Eugene Pickett said no injuries have been reported, however a number of properties have been impacted.
“Police are currently assisting Fire and Emergency NZ in evacuating people residing at the Waiwera Coach Trail Villas,” he said.
“Motorists are urged to avoid the area and allow additional time to travel.”
NZTA said the Hibiscus Coast Highway north of Orewa is closed from Hatfields Beach Reserve to the Puhoi interchange. Weranui Rd will only be accessible to residents until further notice.
It said fees would be waived on Auckland’s Northern Gateway Toll Rd until the alternative Hibiscus Coast Highway reopened.
Local Hibiscus Coast board member Gary Brown told the NZ Herald the Waiwera community has rallied around those that were evacuated after this morning’s slip.
“The Waiwera community have been offering people their homes, the hall that’s privately owned has given its key to the Community Resilience Group and I believe the Beachbar said it would be ready to help.”
Rain is continuing to fall heavily across the top of the North Island today, with forecasters expecting it to continue until midnight for some parts.
Civil Defence Northland is advising people to exercise caution on their journeys north today, with most of the region under a heavy rain watch or warning until tomorrow morning.
“With already saturated ground, any heavy downpours could still lead to localised surface flooding, rapidly rising rivers, and slips, especially in vulnerable areas,” Civil Defence Northland said.
An orange heavy rain warning will stay in place for Eastern Auckland north of Whangaparāoa until 3pm.
Around 40 to 60mm of rain is expected on top of what has already fallen.
