Media Release
28 August 2008

More Kawakawa Bay properties at risk from landslip

A total of six properties in Kawakawa Bay have now been deemed unsafe for residents to live in because of the danger posed by a major landslip.

This follows geotechnical advice to Manukau City Council that a landslip on Turei Hill just north of Kawakawa Bay is continuing to move.

This morning a further two properties were considered to be at risk and residents voluntarily evacuated. Three properties were told they were at risk yesterday and residents in the property at the top of the landslip moved out last week. All residents have now voluntarily evacuated from the affected properties.

Manukau City Council is also advising residents that the road could be closed for up to a month, however this will be regularly reviewed. Because of the inconvenience to residents the council will put on a free ferry between __Kawakawa Bay and Pine Harbour marina, as well as a limited bus service to Papakura and Thames. This will initially be free for a week and then reviewed.

Manukau City Council Economic Director Rick Walden says there is potential for another major slip to happen at any time.

“The risk has increased significantly since the road was closed on Sunday. It is dangerous for people to get near the slip area, they shouldn’t be walking on the beach to get around it.

“A much larger landslip could come down very quickly, bringing thousands of tonnes of debris onto the road and affect properties. Our advice from geotechnical experts is that cracks in the rock face and continuing movement could mean a huge landslip will happen.

“The council realises the closure of the road is frustrating and inconvenient for residents, however public safety has to be the number one priority. We hope that providing a ferry and bus will go someway towards reducing the inconvenience,” Mr Walden says.

Other contingency plans are also being put in place. Students who normally go to school in Clevedon will use a room at Orere School and be taught by their usual teacher. Work is also being done to make sure electricity and phones won’t be cut off if a landslip happens. The council is also looking at temporary alternative routes around the landslip.

The road below the landslip has been closed since Sunday because of the potential risk to public safety. Approximately 500 cubic metres of earth came down onto the road on Sunday. Regular updates are available through the council call centre (phone 262 5104) and at www.manukau.govt.nz.

Alternative transport options
Ferry:
Next week Pine Harbour Ferries will be running a ferry between Kawakawa Bay and Pine Harbour Marina. It will leave Kawakawa Bay Boating Club at 7am and return from Pine Harbour Marina at 540pm, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
Manukau City Council will provide this free for a week, then review to decide if it will continue to be free or subsidised instead.

Bus:
The following bus services will run next week on a trial basis, it will be free for the week and then if the service continues there will be a cost that will be subsidised by Manukau City Council.

Bus to Thames Shopping Mall - Monday 1 September AND Wednesday 3 September AND Friday 5 September.

Bus to Papakura Intercity Bus Stop (next to Selwyn Arcade) - Tuesday 2 September AND Thursday 4 September. Departure daily from Kawakawa Bay Hall at 9.30am. Return daily from Thames OR Papakura drop off points at 5pm.

Electronic message signs with updates and detour signs are up along roads in the area. People driving to the Kawakawa Bay and Orere Point area can use the following alternative routes. Drivers should take care when using them.

State Highway 1 - State Highway 2 – East Coast Road via Kaiaua. From Clevedon: Monument Rd -Sky High Rd - Hunua Rd - Paparimu Rd – State Highway 2 – East Coast Road via Kaiaua.

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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