Tauranga City Council has lifted the evacuation order for the Mangatawa Marae, residents, and the office of Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks Incorporated in Pāpāmoa with most evacuees able to return to their properties overnight after the area was deemed safe.

Around 150 people from 30 properties were evacuated following a slip which happened during last week's night’s heavy rain.

The slip occurred near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the Marae which had the potential to break should the land have subsided further.

As there was a risk to life and property the evacuation order was made early this afternoon.

The watermain pipe to the reservoir above Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing has now been shut down and a temporary water connection will soon be in operation.

Tauranga City Council Emergency Controller Tom McEntyre says three buildings have been issued a yellow placard, two of them homes, the other an outbuilding.

“Temporary accommodation has been provided for those affected and routine geotech assessments over the next few days could result in the placard being downgraded if the risk to the properties is reduced,” McEntyre says.

“I’d like to thank the Mangatawa community who largely self-evacuated efficiently, helping speed up the process.

“We’re grateful to Te Whetū-o-Te Rangi Marae who took in some of the evacuees and provided meals as well as Hungahungatoroa Marae and Waikari Marae who also offered support to the community.”