Flood damage in Punaruku, Te Araroa on the East Coast. Te Araroa has been described as a 'war zone' and was one of the worst hit during last week's torrential rainfall. Communities remain separated from each other, and work to clear slips on State Highway 35 is continuing. In a post on Wednesday, Tairāwhiti Civil Defence urged the public to be kind after receiving reports of people bullying roadworkers. On Tuesday, red stickers had been given to eight buildings in Punaruku, Te Araroa, and three in Onepoto.
