Final update as at 8:35pm, 28 January.
Most evacuees able to return to their properties after the area was deemed safe.
Around 150 people from 30 properties were evacuated following a slip which happened during Thursday night’s heavy rain.
The slip occurred near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the Marae which had the potential to break should the land have subsided further.
As there was a risk to life and property the evacuation order was made early this afternoon.
The watermain pipe to the reservoir above Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing has now been shut down and a temporary water connection will soon be in operation.
Tauranga City Council Emergency Controller Tom McEntyre says three buildings have been issued a yellow placard, two of them homes, the other an outbuilding.
“Temporary accommodation has been provided for those affected and routine geotech assessments over the next few days could result in the placard being downgraded if the risk to the properties is reduced,” McEntyre says.
“I’d like to thank the Mangatawa community who largely self-evacuated efficiently, helping speed up the process.
“We’re grateful to Te Whetū-o-Te Rangi Marae who took in some of the evacuees and provided meals as well as Hungahungatoroa Marae and Waikari Marae who also offered support to the community.”
Update as at 2:50pm, 28 January.
Tauranga City Council, with assistance from New Zealand Police, have evacuated the residents at Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing up to State Highway 2, near the southern end of Truman Lane in Pāpāmoa.
Around 150 people from 30 properties were evacuated to BayPark following a slip causing a risk to life and property after last week’s heavy rain.
The slip occurred near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the Marae, which has the potential to break should the land subside further.
Tauranga City Council Emergency Controller Tom McEntyre says staff are now assessing the reservoir and watermain, as well as having a Geotech expert onsite checking on the slip.
Mr McEntyre says the assessment will give a clear picture on a timeline as to when those evacuated can return to their homes.
1:14pm, 28 January
Tauranga City Council has evacuated residents in an area including the Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing up to State Highway 2, near the southern end of Truman Lane in Pāpāmoa.
After last week’s heavy rainfall, a slip has occurred near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the Marae, which has the potential to break should the land subside further.
Tauranga City Council Emergency Controller Tom McEntyre says there is a risk to life and property and until the area has been further assessed the evacuation order will remain in place.