Landowner helped clear fallen trees that caused 17-hour SH5 closure 17 Feb, 2021 09:04 PM 2 minutes to read SH5 was closed between Napier and Taupo for more than 17 hours after fallen trees blocked the highway. Photo / Warren Buckland A private landowner provided labour and machinery to clear fallen pine trees that blocked State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo for over 17 hours. Ten trees came down on Tuesday evening after heavy rain and high winds, resulting in the closure of the road overnight. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the forest owner provided their own machinery and labour to clear the trees, meaning the agency will not be seeking financial recovery.