A safe and successful evacuation after more than 40 people became trapped between slips on State Highway 2
A safe and successful evacuation after more than 40 people became trapped between slips on State Highway 2
17 January 2026
The road between Matawai and Opotiki will stay closed this weekend, after extensive rainfall caused landslips and surface flooding.
Those trapped where removed by helicopter during yesterday's police rescue operation at Waioeka Gorge.
Gisborne District Council Mayor Rehette Stoltz ,says two council workers were among those safely evacuated late yesterday afternoon.
She says she's stoked everyone's safe and sound.
© 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity