Tomo closes State Highway 1 through South Waikato

An almost two metre deep tomo has opened up on a bridge, shutting down a highway through South Waikato.

NZ Transport Agency is advising that the highway is closed between Ongaroto Rd and SH30 at the turn-off to Rotorua.

"People should also drive carefully and to the conditions on the alternative route as it may be unfamiliar to some driver."

People travelling from Tauranga and Rotorua are advised to consider using SH5 to Taupo. Road users should check our website or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to see if the road is open before travelling. Read more here

More messages from your neighbours

16 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

Local Highlight

1 day ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!