Motu Road Set to Reopen After Months-Long Closure

Ōpōtiki District Council has confirmed Motu Road is scheduled to reopen at midday on Friday, 18 September, subject to the completion of remaining safety works.

In mid-November, the 100-meter slip has closed the road between Papamoa Hill and Whitikau Road, in both directions.

Ōpōtiki District Council deemed the slip too unstable for immediate clearing; however, funding was secured from the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) in May, and clearing began in July.

Geotechnical specialists completed their final inspections in late August and, following stability modelling and assessment, confirmed the road was suitable for reopening with ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

The council said additional edge delineation and safety signage identified through the assessments have now been completed.

Residual instability remains possible at the site, particularly following rainfall, groundwater seepage and ongoing weathering.

The council has monitoring, response procedures and traffic management controls in place, and said it will undertake further geotechnical assessments if significant new instability is identified.

Despite the road now being safe for motorists and other road users, caution is urged around the slip site, with signage in place to guide drivers.

Signs will advise motor vehicle users, in particular, not to stop or park along the road edge to inspect changes to the land around the slip site.

The council said the restriction is in place for the safety of road users and others using the area.

During the closure, the council also completed improvements to the Papamoa crossing, approved as part of its 2024–2034 Long-Term Plan.

It said the work is now complete.

Ōpōtiki District Council acknowledged the impact the closure has had on residents, landowners, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders.

The council said Motu Road was an important part of the local transport network, providing a critical connection for residents, businesses, emergency services and visitors travelling to the remote area and neighbouring district.

The council also thanked contractors involved in the recovery work for their efforts in preparing the road for reopening.

Following the reopening, the site will continue to be managed using a risk-based approach, including regular inspections and increased monitoring during periods of heavy rainfall.

If conditions change, the council said appropriate traffic management measures will be put in place, and the community will be kept informed.