Gisborne motorists accused of 'bullying' road crews

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence is urging motorists to obey road closures amid reports of people "bullying" traffic management crews.

State Highway 35 from Pōtaka to Hicks Bay was among the East Coast roads closed after last week's heavy rainfall.

Crews were working to clear multiple slips on the highway, the NZ Transport Agency said on Tuesday – the largest where about 200,000 cubic metres of land slide onto and over the road.

"If it says CLOSED, it is CLOSED," Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said Wednesday on social media.

"The road is incredibly dangerous and unnecessary movement could cause even more damage. When it is safe to be open, you will be the first to know."

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said it had received reports of people "bullying the traffic management crews".

"Let’s be clear on this – it is not acceptable."

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The post urged locals and visitors to please "be kind, be considerate, and abide by the safety measures that have been put in place so crews can reconnect our region".

"Take care out there."