A stretch of State Highway 35 near the Punaruku slip site will remain closed until at least midday tomorrow (Sunday).

The closure has now been extended to Waikura Road near Pōtaka, due to flooding in the area.

The Punaruku slip site was closed at 8pm yesterday proactively following heavy rainfall during the day.

At least 120 mm of rain has been recorded in the area in the past 24 hours – exceeding the pre-determined safety thresholds.

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 midday tomorrow before any decision is made to reopen the road

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.