Motorists are being warned to be aware of potholes and slips on roads around Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty.

A large pothole on the Route K Toll Road, heading towards The Lakes roundabout, is causing issues for motorists and roading contractors.

Waka Kotahi says it is aware of this pothole, which is about 170m from the SH36/SH29/SH29A roundabout in Tauriko.

'Our maintenance team has filled the pothole multiple times since it appeared last week. Unfortunately with the ongoing rain, high traffic volumes (and heavy traffic – this is our main route to/from the Port) the repairs haven't been holding,” says a spokesperson for the roading agency.

'The team are due to head out there again shortly to try and fill it with a different heavy duty material. We're hopeful this will be more successful.”

Overnight Waka Kotahi contractors only had one call out in the Bay of Plenty.

'It was on SH2 in Ōmokoroa, where a tree was down near Youngson Road.

'It was cleared in the early hours of the morning.”

This morning so far, contractors have been dealing with the following:

-Minor slips on SH2 between Bethlehem and Athenree (not encroaching edge-line or affecting traffic at this point)

-Minor slip on SH29 (not encroaching edge-line or affecting traffic at this point)

-Slip on SH5 in Rotorua westbound near Paradise Valley Road. Westbound traffic is being detoured via Western Road, Eastbound traffic can still continue into Rotorua on SH5 unimpeded.

-SH29 near Gargan Road. Tree down (this was cleared very quickly).

-Potholes on SH2 and on Hewletts Road

-Flooding on SH30 by Rotorua Airport, mainly in SB lane. Traffic management is in place.

'There is a high river level warning for the Kaituna and Mangorewa rivers.

'MetService is advising heavier rain next 1-2 hours.”

Read more here for advice for road users.

The situation is evolving so check the road conditions and stay up to date on the latest weather warnings.

Waka Kotahi Journey Planner(external link)

Metservice Weather Warnings