Hauraki communities are moving into recovery mode after the district’s state of emergency was lifted following last week’s severe storm that hit much of the upper North Island.
The intense weather system, which swept through the region on 21 January, brought heavy rain and widespread flooding, triggering slips, bridge closures and damage to local roads. At the height of the event, five council roads, seven bridges and sections of State Highway 2 through the Karangahake Gorge were closed, cutting off access for some communities.
The storm followed a run of unsettled summer weather that had already saturated catchments across the Hauraki Plains and surrounding hill country, increasing runoff and the risk of flooding. Emergency services, council staff and contractors worked through the response phase to restore access and protect homes and infrastructure.
According to Hauraki District Council, all council roads and bridges have now reopened. Woodlands Road remains restricted to milk tankers only, with no trailers permitted, while repair work continues.
State Highway 2 through the Karangahake Gorge has reopened, although motorists should expect one-lane sections in places. State Highway 25 between Waihī and Whiritoa is also open, with slip repairs completed.
Essential services have been restored, with water treatment plants operating normally across the district. Gilmour Lake Reserve has reopened, although some repair work will continue over the coming days.
One section of infrastructure remains closed. Section C of the Hauraki Rail Trail, including the tunnel and bridges between Waitāwheta Road and Waihī, is still shut while damage is assessed and repairs are planned.
Mayor Toby Adams said the lifting of the emergency signals a shift from response to recovery.
“Our communities have come through a significant weather event, and I’m grateful for how people looked after each other,” Adams said. “We’re now focusing on recovery — repairing damage and supporting those who’ve been affected. The Mayoral Relief Fund will be there for residents and businesses who need help.”
During the storm response, council teams checked 121 properties. Building inspectors assessed damaged homes, with one property red-stickered as unsafe with no access permitted, six yellow-stickered with restricted access, and four white-stickered and considered safe to occupy. Letters explaining these classifications are being sent to affected residents.
Local Recovery Manager Peter Thom said work is now under way to repair 35 roads damaged during the event and to support affected households.
“Our teams are assessing what’s needed across the district and supporting residents who’ve been impacted,” Thom said. “The priority is helping our communities get back to normal.”
Details on the Mayoral Relief Fund are expected to be released in the coming days. Updates on road conditions and recovery work are available through council storm recovery updates and social media channels.
