The crash has closed SH8 near Lawrence. Image: NZTASpecial Fire and Emergency New Zealand appliances from Dunedin have been dispatched to State Highway 8 near Lawrence, where a truck and trailer carrying an excavator has rolled and is leaking diesel. Crews from Lawrence, Waitahuna and Milton responded initially, and "a support vehicle" was sent from Dunedin with "some extra absorbent material" to help clean up the spills. A police spokeswoman said the excavator was down a bank, and the truck and trailer were partially blocking SH8, and the road is now closed between Clarks Flat Rd and Waitahuna West Rd. A detour is available for southbound traffic by turning right onto Clarks Flat Road, then left onto Waitahuna West Road, and back onto SH8.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 15, 2026 07:58 UTC