Evacuations are underway near Baypark in Tauranga.

Tauranga City Council said it has evacuated residents in an area including the Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing up to State Highway 2, near the southern end of Truman Lane in Pāpāmoa.

“After last week’s heavy rainfall, a slip has occurred near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the Marae, which has the potential to break should the land subside further.”

Tauranga City Council Emergency Controller Tom McEntyre said there is a risk to life and property and until the area has been further assessed the evacuation order will remain in place.

Emergency services have been called to the scene.

A reader who over looks the Te Maunga roundabout said there are 13 police cars and one fire engine on Truman Lane.

Police said they were notified at 12.20pm that a water main had burst at/near the intersection of Tareha Lane and Truman Lane, a police spokesperson said. 

"It looks like some houses on Tareha Lane, Nga Tuahine Place, and Te o Haaki o Tiria Place have been evacuated as a precaution."

Police said people were being told to gather at Baypark.