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Wigan Bridge on Tauwhareparae Road out of Tolaga Bay, after Cyclone Hale's destruction. Photo: murrycavephotography / Supplied / Tairāwhiti Civil Defence
Two rural Gisborne women have started petitions for action on road repairs- frustrated that 18 months after Cyclone Gabrielle, their road remains cut off from State highway 35.
Cryssie Boyd and Lucy Jefferd live on Tauwhareparae Road, which still has 14 slips and dropouts, the most significant of which is several hundred metres wide.
Cryssie Boyd says what was once a short journey to the local school has become a 90 minute trip each way.
Lucy Jefferd also lives and farms on the road, and says anytime it rains, the road fills up like basin – blocking access.
They talk to Kathryn about their petitions.
Tim Barry, Gisborne District Council's director of community lifelines, responds.