![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JUPAX2_Matawhai_Gisborne_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nThe Transport Agency (NZTA) said the closure was caused by a large slip between Matawai and Waioweka.
\nPhoto: NZTA\n<\/p>\n
Dozens of people are understood to be stranded by slips in the Waiokea Gorge where a rescue operation is underway.<\/p>\n
The gorge between \u014cp\u014dtiki and Matawai, near Gisborne, has been hit hard by heavy rain earlier today.<\/p>\n
The Transport Agency (NZTA) said State Highway 2 would remain closed between Matawai and Waioweka, after slips and surface flooding meant it was not safe to clear debris.<\/p>\n
Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said police were working with other agencies to reach people who are stuck.<\/p>\n
Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz told RNZ some trapped people from her city had been messaging her.<\/p>\n
Some of the slips are huge, she said.<\/p>\n
“There are probably 30 to 40 people stuck in between slips and the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and police are coordinating to get everyone to safety,” she said.<\/p>\n
“And I have had some residents just contacted me via my Facebook page, reaching out on behalf of friends or on their own behalf, and I just received reassurance from one of them that they will be evacuated soon.”<\/p>\n
Two staff from her own council were among the trapped, she said.<\/p>\n
“We do want to make sure our Gisborne District Council staff are safe too.”<\/p>\n
Stoltz understood some of the trapped people had been told to wait at a holiday park.<\/p>\n
“And my understanding is those people were told to wait and now the Civil Defence people will be dealing with them to get them out of there.”<\/p>\n
Although SH2 between Matawai and Gisborne had reopened at 6pm Friday, the closure meant the arterial route would not connect to the rest of the North Island.<\/p>\n
Drivers using the open section of SH2 were advised to continue driving to the conditions and with caution on this stretch of road and throughout the region.<\/p>\n
Road users in the area should stay alert to the potential for more flooding, debris and short notice closures, NZTA said.<\/p>\n