State Highway 35, between Opotiki and Gisborne, is closed due to a slip and flooding in the area.

Transport Agency Regional Transport System Manager, Rob Campbell says we have had multiple slips and flooding throughout the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne Region.

"Our contractors have cleared one slip on SH 35 between Te Kaha and Waihau Bay and are on site clearing a second slip which fell 15km East of Te Kaha.

"We are also assessing flooding which has occurred on the Te Araroa straight and isolated some communities.

'We know that communities from Omaio to Ruatoria are currently isolated and want to assure those who are affected that we are working as hard as possible to restore access to SH35.

'We are expecting to have the slip cleared this evening, but want to remind motorists that this may change as the area is expecting a significant amount of rain still to fall,” says Mr Campbell.

"We will continue to monitor the weather forecast closely, and ask motorists to delay any non-essential travel.

"We will continue to provide updates on our social media and the NZTA website."

The NZ Transport Agency thanks road users for their understanding and patience.

To stay updated:

•Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

•Website: nzta.govt.nz/traffic (external link)

•Facebook:facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP/ and facebook.com/nztacni/ (external link)

•Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz (external link)