12 Apr 2024

As it happened: Rain lashes North and South Islands

8:40 pm on 12 April 2024
NZTA crew will be on site on Saturday and back to Smithy's Creek on Monday to begin a more permanent fix.

NZTA crew will be on site on Saturday and back to Smithy's Creek on Monday to begin a more permanent fix. Photo: Supplied / NZTA

The section of SH6 between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier has been the only section of the highway still closed after heavy rain saturated the area over the last three days.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi had warned it could remain closed until Monday.

NZTA said concerted efforts by crews in South Westland would allow the road to fully reopen today, and to remain open through the night, subject to weather.

RNZ is New Zealand's statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster, providing vital information and updates as they come to hand.

Check out the frequencies here.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advises that in times of crisis or civil defence emergency a battery powered radio or a car radio remain essential lifelines if power is out and other forms of communication are unavailable.

Here's what happened today in our live blog: