7. Question No. 7—TransportSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 7—Transport7. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister of Transport: What reports has he received about progress on repairing transport networks following the recent extreme weather events?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): I'm receiving regular reports about the state of our transport network in the wake of the devastating flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle. I'm advised that key routes in most affected regions including critical parts of State Highway 2 in Napier and Tai Rāwhiti and critical freight routes in Northland are now open once again. However the damage to our road and rail networks is substantial and a number of sections of State Highway 2 and State Highway 5 as well as the Brynderwyns on State Highway 1 remain closed. As at 21 February there are fewer than 10 sections of State highway with full or partial closures. We know there's a long road ahead of us to repair our transport network and the Government is committed to supporting communities through this which is why we've announced $250 million of support for the National Land Transport Fund to fund urgent repairs and maintenance in the coming weeks. I want to put on record and thank all of the roading crews from Waka Kotahi contractors all around the country who have done an incredible job over the past couple of weeks to reconnect communities and supply chains.Shanan Halbert: What reports has he received about repairs under way on transport networks in Te Tai Rāwhiti?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: The situation is a dynamic one in Tai Rāwhiti. Prior to question time I was advised that State Highway 2 from Ōpōtiki to Gisborne as well as Gisborne to Wairoa were both now open to the public. However as of 1.50 p.m. a major slip has once again closed State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne which goes to demonstrate the ongoing challenging situation that our roading contractors are facing. Preparations are under way for a 90-metre long Bailey bridge to be installed on State Highway 35 near Tokomaru Bay to replace the severely damaged Hikuai bridge. I'm advised that as of yesterday around 50 local roads remain closed or damaged across the region. We do know that emotions are high across the region in the wake of what has been a traumatic event particularly where communities are isolated. I do want to assure people that Waka Kotahi councils and contractors are working around the clock to restore access. Shanan Halbert: What reports has he received about the reinstatement of transport links in the Hawke's Bay?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Key routes around the Hawke's Bay have started to open again including the Napier-Hastings Expressway and State Highway 51 between Napier and Clive. I understand that the expressway in particular is very busy and I would encourage motorists to please be patient. As of yesterday the two key routes that remain closed are State Highway 2 Napier to Wairoa and State Highway 5 Napier to Taupō. I'm advised that they are likely to remain closed for some time while assessment of the road and bridge conditions continues. A Bailey bridge is also expected to be installed at the Waikari River north of Napier shortly. Contractors are also working on State Highway 38 from Murupara to Wairoa to restore access to the town from the west and it is expected to be open to the public in coming days.Shanan Halbert: What reports has he received about the restoration of transport connections in Northland?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Northland has also been severely affected by both weather events over recent weeks. I'm advised that State Highway 1 is closed at the Brynderwyns due to a range of severe slips. However over the past week two detours through Waipū and Dargaville for light and heavy vehicles respectively have been reopened.