Latest update - 18 February 12:30pm

Confirming that the convoys through the Waioweka Gorge will commence around 1pm today as indicated below. There may be a slight delay to the Ōpōtiki-bound 1pm convoy while the team finish installing barriers.

Convoys through the Waioweka Gorge will resume this afternoon following a minor slip which closed the route again yesterday.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is aiming to resume access with the Ōpōtiki-bound 1pm convoy, however this is subject to final all-clear confirmation and the convoy start time could still be delayed. An update will be issued closer to the time. Road users can also keep an eye on NZTA social channels for confirmation:

facebook.com/nztawbop(external link)

Rope access teams are checking the new slip slope again this morning and traffic management crews are putting barriers in place to keep convoys safe.

Scheduled convoy times 18 February:

Ōpōtiki bound:

Start point: Matawai (Te Wera Road intersection)

• Departing at: 1.00pm (pending confirmation), 7.00pm

Gisborne bound:

Start point: Goldsmith Reserve

• Departing at: 5.00pm

State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge is still fragile and convoys could get cancelled at very short notice. Convoys are for essential travel only and will only proceed if safe to do so. Please adhere to the direction of the crew on the ground at all times.

The full daily convoy schedule from 7am will resume tomorrow.

Gisborne bound:

• Start point: Goldsmith Reserve
• Departing at: 7.00am, 11.00am, 5.00pm

Ōpōtiki bound:

• Start point: Matawai (Te Wera Road intersection)
• Departing at: 9.00am, 1.00pm, 7.00pm