A crack has been seen in the area above the Mount Maunganui slip, according to Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson. 

Experts have advised police to stop work. 

Staff evacuated at 11.50am.

“It is unsafe for anyone working under the slip,” he said.

“We understand the frustrations this will cause. We’ve had to do that for the safety of everyone concerned.”

Police are consulting experts and bringing in more sophisticated equipment to try to understand the area.

Anderson said staff had to take it day by day, with assessments done each morning before work commences.

"It's an unstable slip still."

Geotech experts are examining not just the slip, but also the surrounding area.

At 11.50am, material was seen falling from the slip area and police activated sirens to clear the site. 

"All of staff — police staff and rescue staff — are committed to bringing back their loved ones to their families."

"We're having dialogue with the families every day."

Simple tasks are not simple and the work is exhausting.

“The decision to postpone our efforts to reunite families with their loved ones is difficult, and it is not something we do unless there are very real concerns.”

Anderson says additional staff are being brought into the district to relieve staff working on the recovery.“

"Everyone involved is committed to bringing family’s loved ones home. It is exhausting, gruelling work and I’m incredibly proud of them.”