Key Takeaways
- Residents in an area of Pāpāmoa have been evacuated due to a slip that poses a risk to life and property
- Around 150 people from 30 properties have been evacuated to Baypark
- The slip has the potential to break a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the marae, which could lead to further damage
- Council staff and a Geotech expert are assessing the situation to determine a timeline for residents to return to their homes
- Tauranga City Council has confirmed that council workers were at the scene of the fatal Mount Maunganui campground landslide when it happened
Introduction to the Evacuation
The Tauranga City Council has taken swift action to evacuate residents in an area of Pāpāmoa, where a slip has been identified as a significant risk to life and property. The evacuation, which was carried out with the assistance of police, has affected around 150 people from 30 properties, who have been relocated to Baypark. The slip, which is located near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the marae, has the potential to break should the land subside further, posing a significant threat to the surrounding area.
The Evacuation Process
The evacuation process was carried out quickly and efficiently, with residents being given little notice to gather their belongings and leave the area. One resident, who was in town when she received a call about the evacuation, reported that she was unable to return to her home to collect her belongings, and was instead forced to leave immediately. Another resident, Khiarne Taite, reported that he was told to evacuate while eating breakfast, and was "terrified" about the potential consequences of the slip. The evacuation was described as "out of the blue" by Taite, who said that he and his fellow residents were given little warning or information about the situation.
Assessment and Investigation
The Tauranga City Council Emergency Controller, Tom McEntyre, has stated that staff are currently assessing the reservoir and watermain, as well as having a Geotech expert on site to check on the slip. This assessment will provide a clear picture of the situation and help to determine a timeline for when those evacuated can return to their homes. McEntyre has emphasized that the evacuation order will remain in place while the risk is investigated, and that the safety of residents is the top priority. The council is working to verify a large amount of information and establish a timeline of what staff knew and when, in order to understand the circumstances surrounding the slip.
Connection to the Fatal Mount Maunganui Campground Landslide
In a separate but related development, Tauranga’s mayor, Mahe Drysdale, has confirmed that council workers were at the scene of the fatal Mount Maunganui campground landslide when it happened. There have been several accounts of warnings that were made to Tauranga City Council and other agencies about landslips at Mauao in the hours before the tragedy. Drysdale has stated that council staff were at the campground at the time of the slip, and that a timeline of what staff knew and when will be made public. The council is working to verify the facts and establish a clear understanding of the circumstances surrounding the landslide.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The evacuation of residents in Pāpāmoa and the investigation into the fatal Mount Maunganui campground landslide are ongoing, with the Tauranga City Council working to ensure the safety of residents and determine the cause of the slips. The council’s swift action in evacuating residents and assessing the situation has helped to prevent further harm, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the slips will help to identify areas for improvement and prevent similar incidents in the future. As the situation continues to unfold, residents and the wider community will be looking to the council for updates and information, and it is essential that the council provides clear and timely communication to ensure that everyone is informed and safe.
