Kaitaia residents could be taking the long, long way around for months after torrential rain badly damaged the main route into town, SH1 through the Mangamuka Gorge.
Waka Kotahi says the road is still highly unstable and there's been multiple slips with safe access an issue. That means a long detour via Kerikeri on SH10.
Andrea Panther from the Kaitaia Business Association talks to Lisa Owen.