Key Takeaways
- A massive slip has blocked the road to Ōakura Bay in Northland, cutting off the area in both directions.
- The slip, which occurred on Wednesday night, is expected to take weeks to fix.
- The road to the north was already closed due to a bridge washout, and the only other option is a "very tricky" back road.
- Repairs to the bridge approach are progressing, but it is not yet capable of taking traffic.
- A team is heading to Ōakura to rectify the failure of the wastewater treatment plant, and building inspectors will examine beachfront homes that were evacuated after Sunday’s deluge.
Introduction to the Situation
A drone image captures the massive slip at Helena Bay Hill in Northland, cutting off Ōakura Bay. The slip, which occurred on Wednesday night, has blocked the road to Ōakura, leaving the area cut off in both directions. Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper says that the slip is a significant problem, and it could take weeks to fix. The road to the north was already closed due to a bridge washout, and the only other option is a "very tricky" back road that is suitable only as an emergency lifeline.
The Extent of the Damage
The slip, which came down on Wednesday night at Helena Bay Hill on what was known as the Old Russell Road, is a major concern for the residents of Ōakura and other settlements such as Punaruku. The road to the north was already closed due to damage to Ngaiotonga Bridge, and the slip has now cut off Ōakura in both directions. Couper said that the slip is so big that heavy machinery will be needed to excavate it, and it will be a matter of weeks before it is cleared. The bridge approach is being repaired, but it is not yet capable of taking traffic. Goods can now be handed across the bridge, but it is not yet safe for vehicles to cross.
Response to the Crisis
Couper said that another concern is the failure of the wastewater treatment plant at Ōakura. A team is heading to Ōakura on Thursday with generators to rectify the plant. If they manage to reach Ōakura through the "lifeline" road, they will be followed by building inspectors who will examine beachfront homes that were evacuated after Sunday’s deluge. Sixteen people and seven pets were evacuated, and most are staying with friends and family, while some are being looked after by local marae. Couper praised the response of the community, saying that the locals, farmers, and roading crews have done a fantastic job in responding to the crisis.
Message to Residents
Couper’s message to residents in cut-off areas is to "lean on each other, keep up the cooperation that you’ve demonstrated so far, and keep in touch with the council so if you need help, we can get it to you". He acknowledged that the situation is upsetting, but it is a fact of life, and the community needs to come together to support each other. The council is working to provide assistance to those in need, and Couper urged residents to stay in touch with the council to ensure that they receive the help they need.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The situation in Ōakura is a challenging one, with the massive slip blocking the road and the failure of the wastewater treatment plant. However, the community is coming together to support each other, and the council is working to provide assistance to those in need. Repairs to the bridge approach are progressing, and a team is heading to Ōakura to rectify the failure of the wastewater treatment plant. While it will take weeks to fix the slip, the community is resilient, and with the support of the council and each other, they will get through this difficult time. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for residents to stay informed and to follow the instructions of the authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.
