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Recent slips along the Whangaparāoa coastline have forced the closure of popular walkways and access points, with warnings that unstable land can remain dangerous long after heavy rain has stopped.
Auckland Council is assessing multiple sites across the peninsula following recent bouts of heavy rain and strong winds, with Council geotechnical engineers reviewing the stability of affected areas.
The warning comes amid heightened awareness of landslide risks nationally, following the landslide in Mount Maunganui that claimed six lives.
Council area operations manager Sandra May says Council is aware of a number of slips across Auckland, including in Whangaparāoa.
“Council is currently assessing all sites affected by recent slips along the Whangaparāoa coastline and specialist geotechnical engineers will provide expert advice on the stability and accessibility of each location.”
May says Council is working closely with contractors to secure and temporarily close impacted reserves, accessways and structures.
“This includes the Pacific Parade stairs in Army Bay and the coastal walkway in Arkles Bay, both of which have been significantly affected and are currently unsafe for public use,” she says.
May says a separate landslip occurred on the Red Beach headland near Chelverton Terrace in the early hours of Friday, January 23, following heavy rain and strong winds.
A Council geotechnical specialist has inspected the site, with fencing now in place to prevent public access.
“The adjacent property owner has installed fencing to separate their private land from the reserve, and fencing is in place to prevent public access to the slip area. We will continue monitoring the site and working with the landowner as needed to ensure public safety.”
“For safety reasons, we’re urging people to keep clear of cliff areas and to follow all closure signage and barriers that have been put in place. These restrictions are essential for public safety and will remain until all assessments have been completed and we can determine it’s safe to reopen. You can report landslides affecting public land by calling Council on 09 301 0101,” May says.
Heavy rain can trigger landslides even after the weather clears, particularly along coastal cliffs and steep slopes, and residents are urged to remain alert.
