Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency urges road users to avoid unnecessary travel if they can.

"Staying home keeps you safe and helps emergency services get to people in need," says a spokesperson for the roading agency.

"It means our contractors can also move around the network more efficiently, speeding up response times.

"Slips can occur anywhere on the roading network."

Central North Island update 6am

Bay of Plenty road closures:

SH2 from Pukehina to Matata CLOSED - due to multiple slips, the road is closed between Herepuru Road and Old Coach Road.

SH29 Lower Kaimai CLOSED - Due to multiple fallen trees, SH29 between Hanga Rd and Old Kaimai Rd is closed. Avoid this route or delay your journey if possible.

SH30 between SH33 and SH34 CLOSED - Due to multiple slips and fallen trees, SH30 is CLOSED between the SH33 and SH34.

SH2 Karangahake Gorge CLOSED - Due to multiple slips, the Karangahake Gorge is closed. Expect delays.

Other main highway road closures:

SH35 Gisborne to Ōpōtiki CLOSED

SH35 remains closed with a number of potential risks on the road, especially in coastal areas exposed to storm surges, wind and rain.

SH2 Napier to Gisborne CLOSED

This stretch of the state highway remains closed due to large amounts of surface flooding, slips and debris.

SH5 Napier to Taupō CLOSED

This stretch of state highway remains closed due to high winds, possible flooding, slips and debris.

SH1 Rangipo to Waiouru, Three Sisters CLOSED

Due to fallen trees, State Highway 1 is closed between Rangipo and Waiouru. Please plan your journey accordingly, allowing extra time for travel.

These state highways will be reassessed from 7am, as crews hope to arrive on site to inspect the roads. A further update is expected mid-morning, after contractors have had time to reassess any damage.

The state highways will remain closed until further notice.

Safety of all road users and contractors is always our number one priority. And while we want to keep our network open, safety comes first – that's why the decision to close a stretch of road isn't taken lightly.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency thanks all road users for their patience and understanding.

Please keep an eye on Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for any updates.

Journey Planner is updated 24/7 by Waka Kotahi traffic operations centres, and is the best source of the most recent and reliable information available on state highway closures and disruptions. Remember to refresh the page when checking the status of highways to ensure that the latest updates are displayed.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

· Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/WakaKotahiHBG
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCNI
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)