Media Release
31 August 2008

Kawakawa Bay landslip update

Movement of the landslip at Kawakawa Bay is continuing and is still considered very dangerous.

Manukau City Council Economic Director Rick Walden says the landslip has moved a few centimetres in a day.

“Although movement has slowed slightly the fact it is still moving is significant. Hills aren’t supposed to move at all.

“We would expect the movement to slow when the weather is fine and the ground dries out. However any heavy rain would cause substantial movement.

“A landslip is unpredictable, so it is difficult to know when it might come down. What we do know is that at any time it could bring down hundreds of thousands of tonnes of debris,” Mr Walden says.

The landslip is being monitored by geotechnical experts, who are using survey data to assess how much the hill is moving.

A total of six properties in the area have been voluntarily evacuated because they are at risk if a major landslip occurs. Kawakawa-Clevedon Road, which is blocked by the landslip, is likely to remain closed for about a month. This will be regularly reviewed.

Alternative transport options arranged by the council begin tomorrow, this includes a ferry and bus services. Alternative temporary routes around the landslip are also being investigated. Kawakawa Bay children who normally attend Clevedon School will start classes tomorrow at Orere School.

The road below the landslip has been closed since Sunday because of the potential risk to public safety. The landslip began in late July. Regular updates and details of alternative transport options are available through the council call centre (phone 262 5104) and at www.manukau.govt.nz.

Residents who live in the Kawakawa Bay area and have been affected by the landslip may be eligible for immediate assistance.

For more information call the GOVERNMENT HELPLINE 0800 779 997. One call will connect them to the right range of services.

ENDS

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