The New Zealand Transport Agency has opened the Thames Coast Road between Tararu and Manaia to escorted convoys in both directions.

Travellers are advised to expect potentially long delays waiting at either end or at traffic management points in between.

Drivers are encouraged to take an alternate route if they can, as the road is very rough in places.

Those who do take the route should pay attention to instructions from traffic management personnel, and plan for a potentially long trip.

For official updates from NZTA go to their website www.nzta.govt.nz

Thames-Coromandel District Council has received many offers for help, money and goods to support those affected by the floods.

They say they are working on getting systems in place for money and goods, and will publicise how people can contribute as soon as those systems are in place.

For those offering physical help, the council says they ‘really appreciate it', but recommend holding off until NZTA fully reopens the road and it is safe for everyone.

The council is currently running short of skip bins so are asking residents north of Te Puru (e.g. Waioumu, Tapu) to stack any flood damaged waste in front of their properties or in a central location, which will be collected as soon as possible.

People can dispose of flood damaged household items (e.g. carpet or furniture etc) at the Thames Refuse Station free of charge. Please supply your household address, name and vehicle registration to staff at the transfer station.

The council customer services line - 07 868 0200 - is has been fielding several calls, so residents are asked to be patient.

Those who can't get through are advised to stay on hold and use the callback service.