The Transport Agency (NZTA) said the closure was caused by a large slip between Matawai and Waioweka. Photo: NZTA
Dozens of people are understood to be stranded by slips in the Waiokea Gorge where a rescue operation is underway.
The gorge between Ōpōtiki and Matawai, near Gisborne, has been hit hard by heavy rain earlier today.
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.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said police were working with other agencies to reach people who are stuck.
Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz told RNZ some trapped people from her city had been messaging her.
Some of the slips are huge, she said.
"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.
"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."
Two staff from her own council were among the trapped, she said.
"We do want to make sure our Gisborne District Council staff are safe too."
Stoltz understood some of the trapped people had been told to wait at a holiday park.
"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."
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.
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.
Road users in the area should stay alert to the potential for more flooding, debris and short notice closures, NZTA said.
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