During the severe weather event in June, the Tawaha Sill and floodway was damaged, lowering the sill in one location. Usually, the Sill activates at around 4.5metres and water travels down the floodway and across Jenkins Dip on SH53 which closes the road.

Greater Wellington Regional Council has indicated that the damage to the Sill needs to be repaired and the timeframe is unknown at this stage. Until the repairs are completed, the spillway will operate at a lower river level of 4metres instead of 4.5metres, closing SH53 at the Waihenga bridge.

This is a temporary measure and we will keep the community informed once repairs are completed and it is able to operate as usual.