Shipping containers have been installed beside the footpath along Adams Avenue (between Maunganui Road and The Mall) as a precautionary measure to stop any potential debris movement. Two large boulders posing a risk on the northern side of the slip were removed on Thursday afternoon.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale would like to thank businesses, residents, and the wider public for their patience while the road cordons were in place. “The impact of this tragic event has been far reaching. We have appreciated the understanding from businesses and residents in the cordon while the focus was on supporting the families who will be forever impacted by this tragedy. Please support the businesses as they begin to reopen.”
Permanent fencing has been installed to keep people out of the affected area, as the site remains hazardous. Areas behind the permanent fencing remain closed and must not be entered.
A rāhui is still in place for affected areas around Mauao, and people are asked to respect the rāhui by avoiding entry, swimming, gathering kaimoana, or undertaking recreational activities in these areas.
A 30-metre maritime exclusion zone also remains in place around Mauao. The exclusion applies to all vessels and people and extends 30 metres from the base and shoreline of Mauao.
We encourage people to visit the area and support local businesses, but we ask people to respect the no-go zones, fencing, signage and on-site instructions. Operational and assessment work is ongoing, and vehicles may still be operating in the area.
Mauao remains closed to protect public safety
While the road cordon around Adams Ave and neighbouring streets has now been lifted, Mayor Mahé would like to remind the public that access to Mauao is still closed.
Recent monitoring and inspections have identified instability on sections of the maunga, including areas where rockfall and landslip risk has increased.
“There are currently 40 landslips on Mauao, 29 of them are on the base track,” Mahé says.
“Closing Mauao is to reduce the likelihood of injury or harm while further assessments and mitigation work is undertaken. Public safety is the primary driver for this closure, and access will remain restricted until experts are confident the risks can be managed to an acceptable level.”
As part of the geotechnical assessment, a trigger action alarm system is in place which will sound should there be further landslips.
If people are near the fencing when an alarm goes off, they’re advised to move away from the area as quickly as possible.
Mayor Mahé says any decision about the future of Mauao will be made with our partners, taking into account the community’s aroha for the maunga (mountain). Safety will be paramount and is the reason it currently remains closed.
