Kaikoura Emergency Access Route (Inland Road) – part access planned today
22 November 2016

MEDIA ADVISORY

The Kaikoura Emergency Access Route (Inland Road) remains closed today, however the Canterbury Civil Defence Group has prioritised authorised access for supplies and a planned return for Mt Lyford residents.

The Canterbury Group will today enable farmers to access their properties, get essential services to Kaikoura and allow residents to return to their homes as far as Mt Lyford.

Authorised access has been given today to farmers, NZDF and essential services. It is intended that Mt Lyford residents return to their homes from mid-morning depending on when the supplies convoy is completed, the weather and other conditions.

The NZDF convoy set off at 7.30am and will reach Kaikoura at approximately 11am.

Canterbury Civil Defence Group Controller Neville Reilly said the road is still closed to the public because ongoing surveys have found significant risk of landslip and because of the works required to make the road safe.

“All roads in and out of Kaikoura are closed due to landslides, damaged bridges and infrastructure, road subsidence and the risk of continued falling debris.

“We do not yet know how long SH1 will remain closed to the public. There is a huge amount of debris to be dealt with and a substantial amount of infrastructure damage,” Mr Reilly said.

Notes:
Military vehicles:
• 14 in total.
• Three tankers are carrying diesel and one is carrying petrol. Each carrying about 3,000 litres each.
• Supplies: Fuel, food/water and portaloo chemicals.
• It is intended that Mt Lyford residents can return to their homes mid-morning via the Inland Road (from Waiau). The first convoy of farmers and residents is planned for 10am and the second for 2pm.

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