Clean-up underway at the slip site on State Highway 1 in the Mangamuka Gorge.

Contractors will be on-site with specialist machinery tomorrow morning to remove loose material above the slip site in a safe and controlled manner.

As below, NZTA understands any closure of the gorge is disruptive, especially for freight, local businesses, and communities. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to get the road reopened as soon as we are able to do so safely.

NZTA will provide another update before noon tomorrow.

12.06pm:

State Highway 1 Mangamuka Gorge remains closed as contractors continue clean up works and arborists clear trees at risk of falling at the site of yesterday’s slip.

Contractors had been monitoring movement on the hillside following recent heavy rain and the slip was expected.

There is a detour route in place via State Highway 10. People are asked to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys.

The geology and varying terrain through the Mangamuka Gorge mean it will always be susceptible to some movement during severe weather, like what we’ve seen over the past 2-3 weeks.

While the risk of major slips through the gorge has been significantly reduced by recently completed recovery works, the area remains susceptible to occasional, less severe slips due to the ground conditions in the Maungataniwha Range. 

The recovery work was designed in a way that any future movement is expected to be much less severe, ensuring we can respond quickly and minimise disruption to the traveling public.

NZTA understands any closure of the gorge is disruptive, especially for freight, local businesses, and communities. Our contractors are working hard to minimise disruption and get the road reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.

We expect to provide another update around 3pm.

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and driving with care.