A key route between Northland and Auckland is now open both ways, for the first time since Cyclone Gabrielle hit.
Three Olympic swimming pools' worth of rubble has been cleared to make this happen on State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills.
But the repair job is far from over, with the road closing after the Easter break for another two weeks on April the 17th.
The Mayor of Whangārei, Vince Cocurullo spoke to Māni Dunlop.
