Media Release
8 September 2008

Clovelly Road slip update

Manukau City Council is concerned about the number of people who are walking along the Eastern Beach foreshore, disregarding the danger of the cliff slumping to the ground.

People have been evacuated from 114 to 120 Clovelly Road, and the seaward units at 122 and 124 because of the danger posed by land subsidence.

Economic director Rick Walden says people must stay away from the affected area.

“The evacuation of residents has not been done lightly and our warnings to stay away are made in the knowledge that this cliff-side will fall,” Mr Walden says.

“Parts of the ground on 116 have slumped around two metres. The tree-line has also gone down about two metres, with some trees fallen partway down the cliff, and one to the foreshore.

“The rocks on the foreshore which are the ‘keystone’ supporting the land at the top are fracturing and breaking up from the pressure created by the land subsidence above.

“We cannot emphasise enough the danger for people walking around this area. We do not know when this land will come down, but it will – it is a question of when it will happen.

“This uncertainty in itself should be enough to tell the public that they should not be near there. It is not safe.”

Mr Walden says the security guards now posted at the site will remain to warn of the danger. Experts are also monitoring the area.

The council remains in constant touch with the affected residents.

Editors please note:
Please keep your staff and camera crews well away from the foreshore area at Eastern Bay. The council is attempting to provide photos and will keep in contact about other footage which can be obtained.

ENDS

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