State Highway 3 at Awakino Gorge will remain closed overnight following heavy rainfall, surface flooding and slips in the area.

State Highway 45 at Ōkato has now reopened.

And further north, slips have closed State Highway 4 between Whanganui and Raetihi.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is urging drivers to avoid any unnecessary travel overnight and take extra care if travelling around the region.

As at 9pm:

• SH3 Awakino Gorge CLOSED between Oha Street and Papakauri Road
• SH4 Whanganui to Raetihi CLOSED

SH3 Awakino Gorge will remain closed overnight and crews will reassess the closure tomorrow morning.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is aware of potholes forming on the state highway network around Taranaki, as a result of the heavy rainfall. Crews will be assessing damage tomorrow morning, once roads are drier. Please drive carefully if you must travel.

NZTA is reminding people to take care and be alert for other areas with flooding or debris.

Another update is planned tomorrow morning. 

In the meantime, road users can keep up to date with the NZTA Journey Planner.