State Highway 1 through the Brynderwyn Hills is closed until 12 May for critical restoration work.
Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro

A logging truck has rolled on a detour route around the closed Brynderwyn Hills, causing “major delays” for drivers between Auckland and Northland.

The truck rolled on Paparoa-Oakleigh Road in Mangapai about 12.30pm.

Police said no one was believed injured, but there were “major delays for motorists”.

The road was closed while the scene was cleared and diversions were in place.

The crash comes on the first day of the closure of State Highway 1 through the Brynderwyn Hills.

It will be closed until 12 May, bar a six-day reopening over the Easter long weekend to allow holidaymakers through.

Critical restoration work is being carried out on the stretch of highway after the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.

Police said drivers were advised to use State Highway 12 through Dargaville while Paparoa-Oakleigh Road was closed.

Light vehicles could also detour through Waipū Cove, but this road was not suitable for trucks.

“We will advise once the road has reopened,” police said in a statement.

Northland still ‘open for business’

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said full closures, such as that of State Highway 1 through the Brynderwyns, were never done lightly.

“We know they are incredibly disruptive and frustrating for local communities, businesses, drivers, and freight vehicles.

“But this repair work is critical to ensure the corridor is resilient to future events in the short to medium-term, while the Government prioritises planning for the long-term future alternative route in line with the National-NZ First Coalition agreement.”

Brown said NZTA would be working hard to complete repairs as soon as possible, with crews working 24/7.

“They’ll also be utilising key staff from the highly successful SH25A project, to ensure lessons learnt there are put into practice and help minimise the length of disruption.”

He said while works were under way, people were invited to visit the region and support local businesses.

“We’re reminding everyone that Northland is open for business, and we encourage all New Zealanders to visit and explore everything that the beautiful Northland region has to offer.

“NZTA is supporting Northland’s Economic Development Agency, Northland Inc., with a targeted campaign to ensure their ‘open for business’ message gets out as far and wide as possible.”

Local businesses were encouraged to get in touch and partner with the agency to collaborate on joint promotions and marketing activities, Brown said.