A stretch of State Highway 35 near the Punaruku slip site has now reopened following safety assessments.

However, the stretch of road from Waikura Road to the Punaruku slip site will close again later today from 6pm as a safety precaution, and will remain closed overnight.

The road at the slip is still in a very fragile state so we’re closing it to protect road users.

Safety assessments will be made onsite at first light tomorrow before any decision is made to reopen the road.

It’s been a wet 48 hours and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is also warning drivers in other areas of the region to drive to the conditions, take care and remain alert to the possibility of surface flooding on other parts of the state highway network.