Public urged to stay away from at risk clifftop areas

After the recent heavy weather, a number of slips have been reported across Whangaparaoa, including two significant ones at Army Bay and Arkles Bay. Auckland Council Area Operations manager, Sandra May says 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. 

“We’re working closely with contractors to secure, and temporarily close, impacted reserves, accessways, and structures,” May says. “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. 

“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.”

Heavy rain can cause landslides, even after the rain has stopped. 

Council advises residents to stay alert and look out for the warning signs. You’ll need to act quickly if you see them:

Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes

Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building

Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly

Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building

New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces

Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences

Get out of the path of any landslide quickly. Evacuate if the building you are in is in danger.

Call 111 if there is an immediate threat to life or property.