MEDIA RELEASE

6 December 2012

NZ Transport Agency – Auckland/Northland Regional Offices

Risk of surface floods as storms hit Auckland motorways

The NZ transport Agency says there is a danger of surface flooding on the Auckland motorway network due to severe storms sweeping across the city.

“The risk of flash floods on the network means that people need to drive with extreme care, use their headlights and watch their following distances,” says the NZTA’s acting State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton.

Mr Mutton says the closure of State Highway 18 (the Hobsonville Motorway) in north-west Auckland means congestion is building up on other parts of Auckland’s network.

“People should consider whether their travel is necessary until conditions improve. If they are driving, we ask them to do so with patience – conditions are extreme, unpredictable, and difficult.”

SH18 is closed between Brigham Creek Road and Greenhithe Road in both directions. It was closed just after 1.30pm. Mr Mutton says it will remain shut until the NZTA has assurances it is safe to be re-opened and it will keep people updated using motorway electronic signs.

ENDS

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"Unlawful, Unjustified And Unreasonable": Report Into Urewera Raids Finds Police Acted Unlawfully

Independent Police Conduct Authority Chair Judge Sir David Carruthers said today that the decision by the then Commissioner of Police to undertake the operation in Ruatoki Valley and elsewhere on 15 October 2007 was reasonable and justified.

“However, the road blocks established by Police at Ruatoki and Taneatua were unlawful, unjustified and unreasonable... Police had no legal basis for stopping and searching vehicles or photographing drivers or passengers,” he said...

The report also showed that the detention of the occupants at five properties examined by the Authority was unlawful and unreasonable. More>>