Civil Defence registering interest for a restricted one way public convoy from Kaikoura

Kaikoura Civil Defence is taking registrations from people with rugged 4WDs or Class 1 rigid trucks vehicles who want to join a managed convoy to leave Kaikoura, when road conditions allow.

Controller Murray Sinclair said, “We do not know when this will be, but are setting up the registration system to be prepared when conditions allow.”

“I must stress this is a one-way convoy and it will be limited in size to a maximum of 20 vehicles,” he said. “There will be no return convoys until the Inland Road has been reopened to private vehicles. Again, we do not know when this will be.”

Vehicles joining the convoy must be either:

• Rugged 4WD with high ground clearance

• Class 1 rigid trucks

No towing of any kind, including trailers, boats and caravans.

“No other types of vehicles, including motorbikes, 4WD station wagons and 4WD campervans, will be accepted into the convoy.”

Mr Sinclair said people with vehicles that met the criteria must understand that the convot is a one-way trip out of Kaikoura.

“We can’t guarantee that a convoy will leave each day. This is to avoid delaying the essential repair work and slip stabilisation work that contractors are carrying out.”

Mr Sinclair said registration was the first step in the process.

“If you’re prioritised for a convoy, you’ll be contacted on the cellphone number you have provided. We’ll aim to do this the day before the convoy departs,” he said. “At this time you’ll be asked to present your vehicle for an inspection and receive a permit to buy fuel for your vehicle. You will also receive instructions on where and when to assemble to join the convoy.”

“If your vehicle doesn’t meet the criteria for a convoy, civil defence is also working on a plan to help people leave Kaikoura in a future evacuation. There is no time set for this and you would need to return at a future time at your own expense and retrieve your vehicle.”

You also have the option of flying out of Kaikoura with Sounds Air on a scheduled service

Anyone interested in joining the convoy should call 03 319 5026.

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