Herepuru Road is Now Open For Light Vehicle Travel

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:16 AM

By Aimee Stanton

The road has been closed since the beginning of February, following a large slip caused by recent storms.

Yesterday, Whakatāne District Council announced Herepuru Road will be open from 5pm.

It said a geotechnical inspection confirmed "any further slip risks on Herepuru Road have been adequately managed."

However, the road is not open to all motorists just yet.

"Heavy vehicles must continue to use Manawahē Road," said the Council.

Herepuru Road will open to one lane only, keeping traffic away from the "cracked and slumping" part of the road.

Council said monitoring equipment will be installed so a close eye can be kept on the area.

It thanks the community for their patience and those putting in the mahi to get the slip sorted.

We’re committed to keeping the Eastern Bay informed with accurate, timely coverage.
Have a news tip or story idea? Email news@1xx.co.nz.

More from Good News

Orca Paid a Visit to Surfers in West End Yesterday

Salt Spray Surf School participants had an unusual instructor on Monday.
“I Feel a Hell of a Lot Better”: Kelsey Waghorn Tells Her Story Six Years After Whakaari Eruption

Six years on from the Whakaari White Island eruption, survivor Kelsey Waghorn has shared her story in a new memoir, Surviving White Island and Everything That Came After, describing not only the day that changed her life but the long road to recovery that followed.
Local Thrilled at Council Decision About Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway

Yesterday the Whakatāne District Council decided community proposals to repair and re-establish the walkway.
Preparations for the Mātaatua Kapa Haka Regionals are in Full Swing

Rōpū from across the Mātaatua rohe will compete at the qualifying competition, Mātaatua Regionals, next weekend to see who will advance to Te Matatini, the ‘Olympics of Kapa Haka’.
Bay of Plenty Residents Can Travel to Tairāwhiti Via State Highway 35 Once Again

Sections of the highway have been closed following severe damage caused by last month's storm.