Motu Road usually carries around 35 vehicles a day and is an important alternative route, providing resilience access between the Ōpōtiki and Gisborne districts.
It is also a favourite among cyclists who use this route as its own ride or to access the upper part of the Pakihi track.
The Pakihi is still open and cyclists can get to the start of the trail from SH2 via the Matawai and Motu Village and shuttles are available.
Funding, work method and start date confirmed
In May 2026 funding support from NZTA had been secured and confirmed; enabling repair work to the major slip to progress.
Since then Council staff and geotechnical specialists have reviewed the results from drilling at the main slip site and are working to finalise a safe method for removing the slip debris.
- Subject to weather, the aim is to have machines on the ground by 20 July 2026.
- The work method/plan will be shared here once available.
Once works begin, the site will be an active construction area remain fully closed to the public at all times, including outside working hours. This is due to the safety risks associated with earthworks and ground stability.
Our message is to not enter the site under any circumstances during this time.
We recognise this route is a key lifeline connection to Gisborne and our remote rural communities, and we know how challenging this closure has been. We are working to progress the repairs as safely and quickly as possible and will continue to keep the community updated here on our website and other channels like Facebook and Antenno as works get underway.
