Waipapa Road reopened following slip repairs

Date:

20 May 2026, 2:00 pm

Categories:

News

One of the sites where extensive repair work has been completed.

The section of Waipapa Rd closed since early April for repair work on multiple slip sites has reopened ahead of schedule on Wednesday 20 May.

While the road has reopened to all traffic, there is one slip site that still requires repair work and this part of the road will be down to one lane, with stop/go traffic management in place. As always, please take extra care on the road.

We really appreciate everybody's patience during the closure. It’s been a massive job to restore the safety and long-term stability of the road at three significant slip sites.

A shout out too, to our contractor, HEB Construction, for getting this work done well ahead of schedule.

Want to learn more? See Waipapa Road slip repairs

Past updates

Waipapa Road full closure starts Tuesday 7 April

A section of Waipapa Road will be closed 24/7 from Tuesday 7 April to July so essential repair work can be carried out on multiple slip sites along the road.

There are three significant slip locations along the road requiring excavation, drainage installation, slope rebuilding, and full road surface reinstatement. Because Waipapa Road is narrow and winding, these works cannot be completed safely while the road is open to traffic.

The Waipapa Road closure starts about 7km north of Mangakino, through to just south of Waipapa Dam (as shown on the map below).
Please use an alternative route and allow extra time for your journey.
Residents in the area will continue to have access to their properties and have been contacted directly about the closure.

We appreciate everybody's patience and cooperation while our contractors, HEB Construction, complete these essential works to restore the safety and long-term stability of the road.

Until Monday 6 April, one lane remains open for limited access only, under reduced speed limits and temporary stop-go traffic management through the underslip areas.

Waipapa Road reopened - limited access only

Update: 3pm Friday 20 February

Waipapa Road remains in a vulnerable condition, however one lane has been reopened for limited access only. This section of the road is operating under reduced speed limits and temporary stop-go traffic management through the underslip areas. Drivers will encounter temporary traffic signals or priority give way arrangements, depending on the location.

Because the road is narrowed and uneven in places, drivers need to slow down, follow the signage, and be prepared to stop.

Road users are strongly encouraged to avoid Waipapa Rd unless necessary and to use alternative routes where possible.

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Waipapa Road closed until further notice

Update: 9am Tuesday 17 February

Waipapa Road remains CLOSED: Waipapa Rd from Scott Rd (just north of Mangakino) has been badly damaged by slips and is closed until further notice. Please continue to use SH32 to Tokoroa if you're heading north from Whakamaru or Mangakino.
Tutukau Road - Temporary Reduced Speed Limit: There are dropouts at the Tram Rd intersection. A reduced speed limit is in place. Please drive carefully.

All other roads are now clear in the district. Shout out to our contractors for all their hard work over the weekend. We received over 30 call outs for roading issues across the district.

Finally, we are thinking of all our neighbours across the motu who are dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Kia kaha!

A reminder too on how and who to contact about any roading issues:

If you come aross debris or slips on the road, please advise our customer service team on 07 376 0899 or lodge a report using the Antenno app on your phone.
For slips or damage to highways, call NZTA on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.
If you're out on the roads, please drive to the conditions and follow any speed restrictions or traffic management. Lights on, be safe!

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Waipapa Road closed

10.30am Saturday 14 February

Waipapa Road from Scott Road (just north of Mangakino) has been badly damaged by slips and is CLOSED until further notice. Please use SH32 to Tokoroa if you're heading north from Whakamaru or Mangakino.