One lane of SH35 near Maraenui in the Bay of Plenty had reopened after it closed following a slip on Sunday. (File photo) Photo: RNZ
Residents call it the forgotten highway, and on Sunday night they got a reminder why.
Fallen trees and debris came washing down in a raging torrent on State Highway 35 in Bay of Plenty, just east of Ōpōtiki.
With no detour available, crews spent hours trying to clear the road and re-open it, so people could access main centres to reach the doctor and supermarket.
By Monday afternoon, one lane had reopened to allow traffic through in both directions on a traffic controlled give-way system.
Eastern Bay of Plenty residents said they were used to slash coming down in the area.
However, the disruption caused by closing SH35 from Beach Road to the Motu River Bridge was widespread.
Te Kaha Beach Hotel staff member Lisa Wharepapa said the closure meant her guests had to delay important plans.
"It's just sad for the whānaus, they've got medical appointments they need to attend, whānau need to access food and all the other services available to them that they aren't able to use at the moment," Wharepapa said.
She was unhappy at problems with slash, and said someone needed to take responsibility.
"It's a topic beyond me and beyond us, and I think it's a conversation that needs to be had. Someone needs to be held accountable."
The community was experienced in dealing with similar situations, Wharepapa said: "We're all resilient in terms of this ... we kind of just have to ride the wave and wait."
"Being along the coast we are prepared for these ... it's not something that we sit here and wait for, but we are ready and we are prepared."
Ten minutes up the highway in Te Kaha, Coastal Hideaway manager Craig Morris said he spent the morning ringing guests to tell them the bad news.
"We've got people booked in, you've got to chase them up and tell them what the situation is and try and find alternative solutions for them, so we can fulfil our commitments as an accommodation provider," Morris said.
Slash was creating ongoing issues, he said.
"This is a problem in this particular area, on the East Cape, and not just us but further round towards Gisborne as well.
"It's a problem that's not going to go away, there needs to be some solution found or some sort of remediation or whatever, but it's certainly ongoing."
Ōpōtiki councillor Max Kemara said the road was in need of attention.
"Down our way, State Highway 35 is nicknamed as the forgotten highway because we always feel that we are forgotten, and so this just highlights it," Kemara said.
A washout on SH35, between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha in July last year. Photo: Waka Kotahi
Communities on the coast relied on the connection for their everyday needs.
"Any road closure or blockage like this is always significant for us on the coast, our people there. We're really reliant on getting into Ōpōtiki or Whakatāne to do our shopping, it's the closest supermarkets to us. So for some people on the coast that's like a five hour round trip," he said.
Waka Kotahi said it knew how important State Highway 35 was as a connection for businesses and residents.
It expected it would take several days for the road to be fully cleared.