Emergency services in Thames have rescued six people who were trapped in their cars due to floodwater.
The Fire Service was called to the Kauaeranga Valley road after a tow- truck driver was unable to retrieve the two cars.
Police are advising motorists to avoid the road.
Meanwhile, flooding is affecting other parts of the region. State Highway 25, five kilometres south of Whitianga along the McClouds straight, is completely underwater; the Manaia bridge is also flooded.
