State Highway 35 at Maraenui Hill in the North Island of New Zealand was temporarily closed on 25 August by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

The highway, situated about 32km east of Opotiki, has been closed due to significant slip damage on the road because of heavy rains.

The agency said that the affected stretch of road is in the same location as an area of slip damage repaired two years ago, although this slip extends over a longer distance.

The only detour currently available to road users is SH2 via Gisborne, and the agency is considering developing a shorter detour for light vehicles using an unsealed forestry road.

The agency has not given any time frame for reopening the road, but further information is likely after the current geotechnical survey to appraise the damage has been completed.