Bridge cut off by Wairarapa floods reopens

A bridge that washed out in torrential rain over the weekend in southern Wairarapa, cutting off communities, has reopened.

The damage to the Tūranganui River bridge had shut access to about 500 homes in Ngāwi, Lake Ferry, Whāngaimoana and Cape Palliser.

The bridge suffered similar damage in storms in February.

Wairarapa Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) controller Matt Vins said while it was an important milestone, work would continue on the bridge.

"At this stage, we strongly encourage people to only travel along the bridge if it is absolutely necessary.

"It is important that safe access and passage for residents are maintained.

"If travel across the bridge is necessary, please exercise extreme caution.

"We know there will be additional damage to roads beyond the Tūranganui Bridge that has not yet been identified. It won't be marked and will pose additional dangers for people attempting to travel."

Vins said residents isolated in White Rock should have access restored by Wednesday.

He said staff would be doing community welfare checks.

"The EOC will remain operational tomorrow (Wednesday) to support roading assessments and welfare checks beyond the Tūranganui Bridge, while beginning the transition to recovery.

"This transition marks the move from the immediate response phase to longer-term recovery and support. It also enables recovery managers to utilise additional legal powers to safely coordinate and manage the recovery effort."