Locals call it a forgotten highway, and last night they got a reminder why.
Fallen trees and debris came washing down in a raging torrent on State Highway 35, around the Raukumara peninsula, just east of Opotiki.
Crews have spent the hours since trying to clear the road and re-open it, so people can access main centres for the doctor and supermarket.
This afternoon they were able to re-open one lane, and traffic control is in place.
Finn Blackwell has more.
