4WD club to the rescue

Dozens of Hawke's Bay 4WD club members rescued drivers caught in treacherous snow and ice on the Napier-Taupo road yesterday.
President Peter Joll said when members arrived at the scene it was evident more muscle was needed, so called on the Twin City 4WD Club to pitch in.
"Our guys were more than willing to help. It was a good excuse to get out and have a play with our toys," Mr Joll said.
Hawke's Bay Today publisher Laurie Coghlan was one grateful driver rescued by 4WD and was forced to leave his car on the roadside for the night.
Rescued drivers were transported to the Te Pohue Hotel where strangers bonded over hot coffee.
"There were probably about 14 cars with about 30 people and then a logging truck was holding up another 50 cars or so," Mr Coghlan said.
"The 4WDs were excellent. The guys were saying they didn't mind coming out because they were bored sitting in front of their fires."
The stranded motorists were then taken to nearby Eland Station, then by bus to the Napier Police Station.
Road closures in the region meant courier services around Hawke's Bay were today trying their hardest to get deliveries in and out of the Bay using alternative routes.
PBT Couriers was waiting on trucks from Auckland to transport parcels, while another truck was taking the longer route through New Plymouth in the hopes of making it to the Bay.
Spokesman Allan McDonald said the company would not be able receive packages from Hamilton or Tauranga. However, Hawke's Bay Airport was all go today, with all flights expected to be on schedule.