Two people previously missing following a slip in Welcome Bay, Tauranga have been rescued.

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford confirmed the pair had been located by emergency services.

“The two persons in Welcome Bay in a residential house with a landslide have been rescued and transported by St John to hospital,” the local MP wrote on Facebook.

Police were called to the incident around 4.15am; one other person was seriously injured in the slip.

Police said another person also suffered serious injuries.

Earlier, at 3.50am, assistance was sought from New Zealand Defence Force after a number of people were reported to be stuck in a vehicle in fast flowing water on Waitao Rd, Welcome Bay, police said in a statement.

“Police are asking people in Western Bay of Plenty to avoid all unnecessary travel, as a number of roads in the area have been impacted by the weather overnight.”

Fire and Emergency including the swift water rescue team is still assisting police with evacuations in Welcome Bay Rd in Papamoa, northern shift manager Paul Radden said just before 8am.

Several properties had also been cleared in Bellevue, Tauranga after a landslide went into a property, leaving it unstable.

That house and several surrounding houses have been evacuated as a result, he said, and crews on the ground had been getting advice from the fire service’s Urban Search and Rescue geotechnical engineer.

Evacuations

Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor James Denyer said 80 people were evacuated across the district overnight, 73 from the Waihi campground.

“I think in Waihi Beach, 31 people were billeted by local families, so that’s really heartening to see that we’ve looked after our own and our local community stepped up.”

He said Katikati had been cut off for a period overnight, but people were able to get through the township now.

Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty James Denyer. Photo / The Bay of Plenty Times Photo / Alex Cairns

There remained a big slip in Apata, with “detours in place through local roads”.

“Obviously take care on those local roads, they’re not state highways and they’re not used to that amount of traffic.”

In Welcome Bay, there had been a slip overnight which had damaged a house.

“There’s there was flooding and the New Zealand Defence Force Unimog, which was rescuing people and got in trouble itself.”

Flood waters had risen and it became stranded.

Denyer said his focus was the Welcome Bay house slip and “the safety and welfare of those people and others who’ve had to evacuate as well”.

The council was finding out where the slips and issues were, and helping to clear those.

He said they had a visit from the Minister of Civil Defence Mark Mitchell this morning.

“Look after each other and check your neighbour is okay,” Denyer said.

“There will be a lot of slips and trees down that we won’t necessarily be aware of on private property... if you’ve got concerns for anyone, reach out.”

Mauao fully closed

Mauao is fully closed to the public until further notice due to large slips that have made the area unsafe, Tauranga City Council said in a statement.

“Recent severe weather has significantly destabilised the maunga, creating an ongoing risk of further slips and falling debris.

“Due to the heightened risk to public safety, all tracks, access points, and surrounding areas of Mauao are closed while the considerable damage is assessed.”

Mauao was closed due to slips. Photo / Alister McHardy

Council said fencing was being installed and secured at key entry points, with signage and barriers in place at all closure points to prevent public access.

Security would also be present to monitor the closure and ensure public safety.

“The closure would remain in place while conditions continue to be monitored, and any necessary remediation work is undertaken.

Slips have caused significant damage on Mauao. Photo / Alister McHardy

“The public was strongly advised not to enter Mauao or attempt to bypass fencing or barriers.”

In addition to the closure of Mauao, NZTA has also closed the SH2 Eastern Link due to surface flooding.

All lanes between the Sandhurst Interchange and Domain Road Interchange were currently closed.

Flooding in Pāpāmoa. Photo / Sonya Bateson

“All westbound and eastbound traffic is being diverted through Pāpāmoa, which is causing significant traffic congestion,” council said.

“People were advised to follow all detours and, if possible, delay travel. Those in the area are encouraged to refrain from non‑essential travel."

Road closures

A number of roads are closed in Tauranga due to weather related incidents.

NZME has had reports that Welcome Bay Rd is closed from Waitao Rd to Te Puke Highway following reports of a slip.

Part of Welcome Bay Rd in Tauranga is closed due to a slip this morning. Photo / Sonya Bateson

“On SH2 from Sandhurst to Domain the road is impassable and people should avoid it.”

An NZTA alert said the road is closed.

Diversions are: Northbound: Exit the motorway on to Domain Rd, then turn left on to Papamoa Beach Rd, then continue straight on to Maranui St, then turn left on to Girven Rd, then rejoin SH2 at the Bayfair Roundabout. Southbound follow in reverse.

Heavy rain and strong winds ripped through Tauranga overnight. Photo / Cameron Avery

There are also reports that there is a large slip on SH2 near Apata.

NZTA reports that SH2 between Tanners Point and Katikati is closed due to “multiple areas of flooding”.

“Due to a slips, SH2 is closed between Esdaile Rd and Wainui South Rd.”SH2 from Paeroa to Waihi is also closed due to flooding.

Big slip right across SH2 between Apata and Pahoia, road completely blocked. detour is possible through Wainui Rd/Esdaile. Photo / Angela Moore

SH2 from Katikati to Tauranga was likely to be closed for two days after a large slip.

“Due to a slip, SH2 Whakamarama is closed between Esdaile Rd and Wainui South Rd,” NZTA said in a statement.

“As the ground is still very wet, we anticipate this section of SH2 will be closed for two days.

“A detour is available for light vehicles only: Northbound: Turn left on to Esdaile Rd, then turn right onto Wainui South Rd, then turn left on to SH2. Southbound, follow in reverse.”

A large slip has come down on SH2, near Whakamarama. Photo / NZTA

Bay of Plenty roads affected by heavy overnight rainWestern Bay of Plenty

SH2 North Tauranga – Te Mania Bridge and Uretara to Tanners Point Road - open with a 30km/h temporary speed limit.

SH2 Katikati to Tauranga - Open for light vehicles only with detour on Wainui south/Esdaile Road.

SH2 Katikati to Waihī – Closed between Old Tauranga Road and Athenree Road, no available detour until Steele Road flooding recedes.

Eastern Bay of Plenty

SH2 Matatā straights (west of Matatā) – is now cleared and reopened.

SH2 south of Matatā – closed due to flooding and debris.SH2 Pukehina –caution advised, likely to flood around 10am high tide.

Possibility of a road closure.

SH2 and SH30 Awakeri – roads open.SH2 Waimana Gorge – road open, small debris on sides of road.SH35 – closure at Ōpōtiki (residents/emergency services only) until Tairawhiti CDEM advise road may be reopened.

Tauranga

SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link – all lanes closed between Sandhurst Interchange and Domain Road Interchange due to surface flooding.

“Driving through flood water can be extremely dangerous. Just 15cm of water can sweep a person off their feet, and 30cm can carry away most vehicles,” NZTA said in a statement.

“Motorists should be aware of branches and other debris they may not be able to see under the surface of flood waters.“People are asked to be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road, and drive slowly through work sites.”

Power outages

A number of power outages have also been reported around the city.

Power is reported to be out in parts of Welcome Bay, Bethlehem, Brookfield, Bellevue and Mount Maunganui.

Further afield, SH2 between Matawai and Whatatutu remains closed following flooding and rockfall late last night, NZTA said in a statement this morning.

SH35 between Okitu and Pōtaka remains closed until crews have had a chance to assess the road at 7am.

People are asked to avoid the area.

“Heavy and persistent rainfall has made the ground surrounding the region’s state highways sodden. Please be alert to the possibility of further flooding, slips, debris in other parts of the state highway network,” NZTA said.

SH2 between Matawai and Ōpōtiki remains closed.

Tolaga Bay and further north remains under a red heavy rain warning until 9am today; south of Tolaga Bay, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay remain under an orange warning until 10am.

In Hawke’s Bay, the state highways remain open, however drivers in the region are urged to take care and be aware of the possibility of slips or debris.

“It’s really important people drive to the conditions, and adjust your speed; turn your headlights on and adjust your following distance when you need to.

“If you are traveling the network, please adhere to any temporary traffic management or speed restrictions that may be in place.”

Civil defence update

As of 6.30am, the severe weather event has been lifted. However, the region is still feeling the impacts, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said in a post on Facebook.

“There are a number of transport routes that have been impacted and we are aware of a localised self-evacuations in the Western Bay district. Road closures and detours will continue to shift as water levels change and high tide is reached.

“We encourage you to keep an eye on your local councils and NZTAs social media channels (see their tags below) and websites to stay informed with the latest road closures and impacts in your area.”

Weather update

The red rain warning issued for the region yesterday has now been lifted, according to MetService’s website.

For today, MetService said heavy rain with possible downpours were expected to clear this morning with fine breaks developing.

Strong easterlies, changing lighter westerly in the morning.