NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising people to expect delays heading into Waipawa this afternoon as fire crews battle a fire near State Highway 2.

The fire is on private property next to the southbound lane jus south of the bridge over Waipawa River.

A stretch of state highway will be under traffic management until the fire is out, to allow for water tankers to access the property. 

Please expect delays through this stretch of road and follow the directions of traffic management on site.

It's really important people drive to the conditions.