SH35 set to close overnight ahead of heavy rain

· RNZ
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

State Highway 35 on the East Cape of the North Island will close overnight between Hicks Bay and Te Araroa because of forecast heavy rain.

It will shut from 10pm on Friday evening until 8am Saturday.

The reopening will be subject to weather conditions and a site inspection.

The spot sees regular highway closures since bad weather caused a large slip there earlier this year.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

Related Stories

Lifeline highway closes as heavy rain heads east after 700mm downpour, floodsThe gorge's closure comes as hundreds of mourners gather for the tangi of respected rangatira Tā Hirini Moko Mead.02 Jun 2026Gisborne's State Highway 35 opens after rainfall damageHeavy rainfall last week had created some cracking in the Waikura slip area, which originally closed following the January storm.25 Apr 2026SH35 closed after cracking occurs in slip between Pōtaka and Wharekahika/Hicks BayNZTA says last week's heavy rainfall created cracking in the Waikura slip between Pōtaka and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay.25 Apr 2026SH 35 closed north of Gisborne after crashOne person has died and three more have been injured, and part of State Highway 35 has been closed following a crash near Whangara in Tairāwhiti.19 Apr 2026No 'peace of mind' until managed retreat from vulnerable areas - iwi leaderParts of the North Island have been repeatedly hit by extreme weather events in recent years.Morning Report, 13 Apr 2026