“A checkpoint at Kaiikanui Rd will be stopping traffic to enforce this,” he said.
Couper urged holiday home-owners who want to check their baches to have patience.
“We understand that people who own holiday homes will be keen to visit and assess them, but at this stage we must ask for your patience – only fulltime residents will be allowed through.”
Couper said while the clean-up on the northeast coast continues, the rest of Whangārei district is now accessible and welcoming visitors for a busy long weekend, with Auckland and Northland Anniversary day on Monday.
Couper said the Helena Bay hill slip is “significant” and will require a complex geotechnical assessment before clearance can begin.
Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper visited Ōakura after flooding on Sunday but is now urging all non-residents to stay away. Photo / WDC
Rapid building assessments in the storm-affected area continue, with officials expected in the area around midday Friday.
Whangārei District Council roading contractors are clearing fallen trees and slips, assessing fragile sites and restoring access where it is safe to do so.
The council is warning the saturated ground may cause further slips and wind can take trees down more easily than usual.
People should also not collect shellfish for at least 28 days and not swim until water testing shows it is safe.
A state of emergency remains in place across Whangārei.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.