All Trapped Passengers Evacuated from State Highway Five

The Army has advised that all passengers trapped in vehicles along snowed in State Highway Five in high country between Napier and Taupo have been evacuated from their cars.

Hastings Civil Defence Controller Mike Maguire says it appears all people who had been stranded have been evacuated and now attention can turn to clearing the road of vehicles. .

"We are working to get drivers back to their vehicles as soon as practicable. But a lot will depend on weather conditions and the state of the road," he said.

At this stage around 100 drivers who were evacuated to Napier overnight are gathering at the Welfare Centre at Hukarere Girls College, where they will await clearance for buses to take them to their abandoned cars.

Buses, escorted by Civil Defence volunteers, will take drivers to their cars so they can return to Napier as conditions allow. Drivers will not be able to continue to Taupo. The road cannot be opened until the weather improves and all abandoned vehicles are off the road.

Heavy snow is still falling in the area and Police have advised the Napier-Taupo Highway will potentially remain closed for other drivers for the rest of the day.

Farmers and other residents in snowed in areas who require medical assistance or other emergency assistance should contact Hastings District Council on ph. 871 5000 or call 111.

At this stage, Police say 368 people have been evacuated from the Napier side of the highway, with another 300 evacuated to Taupo.

More people have opted to stay either at the Tarawera Tavern, the Summit Kiosk or the Te Pohue Hotel.

Comprehensive list of people who have been evacuated are being compiled by both Hastings and Taupo emergency centres.

People wanting to check on the welfare of family travelling the highway can call either Hastings District Council ph. 871 5000 or Taupo on ph. 0800 275 832.