Urgent work is underway to restore a critical access route between Wairoa and Gisborne, as the East Coast continues to grapple with a devastating landslide and erosion crisis exacerbated by Cyclone Gabrielle.
It comes after an extraordinary landslide study conducted by GNS Science last month revealed that 140,000 landslides were triggered in the wake of the cyclone.
The study – the most extensive landslide dataset ever compiled in history – has seen researchers collaborate with local councils to assist in planning for future slip occurrences and enhance land-use planning practices.
It comes as the East Coast was rocked by another landslide, this time in Tiniroto, where approximately 100 metres of roadway has been displaced, requiring the removal of an enormous 25,000 cubic metres of debris.
Construction teams are working urgently to create a new road that will restore critical access between Wairoa and Gisborne. Local farmers are currently forced to navigate perilous one-way gravel detours to reach town – a journey that many must undertake daily.
Tiniroto farmer Caroline Coop told 1News the recent landslide has had a devastating impact on her farm.
"Around 45 per cent of our sheep and beef farm is now affected by landslides. Nine kilometres of fencing, cattle yards," she said.
"As the landslide occurred, we had cattle booked for transport that day which had to be cancelled due to the impassable roads."
The two-hour detour is not only causing inconvenience but also safety concerns. A head-on collision was reported between a ute and a truck on these challenging detour routes.
Gisborne farmer Daniel Coop said the drive is "far from pleasant".
"These roads are essentially one-way, making every corner a potential hazard. It's just not safe," he said.
Sheep and Beef's Mark Harris recalled a similar event in 1988 when Cyclone Bola hit the region. He emphasised the additional time and effort required for farmers to manage livestock during this crucial period.
"Incidents like this recent landslide add hours to our already busy schedules, especially as we approach a period of unloading stock," he said.
He added: "North of Gisborne, several communities still have severely limited access, and the coastal route remains fragile."
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