Pilot Bay boat ramp remains closed to the public and the Mount Manganui Lifeguard Service building is still off limits after landslides on Mauao.

Geotechnical engineers are continuing to assess slip risks surrounding a number of structures at the base of Mauao after the landslide that claimed six lives on January 22.

Pilot Bay boat ramp

Tauranga City Council said the boat ramp at the base of Mauao would be closed for the foreseeable future.

Geotechnical experts have advised there remains a high risk of further slips near the main slip.

Council recovery manager Paula Naude said further information, especially after the next heavy rain, may help give greater confidence in determining the likelihood of a slip.

“However, until the slip hazard has been reduced to an acceptable level, the boat ramp will remain closed.”

Cordons remain around Pilot Bay boat ramp. Photo / Tauranga City Council

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service

The council said there were a number of large slips on the slope behind the surf club during last month’s severe rain, and cracks in the track across the slope suggested further movement could be likely, especially after more significant rainfall.

“As a result of this risk, and on the advice of geotechnical engineers, our building team issued a red building placard for the surf club building under the CDEM Act.”

Naude said engineers were preparing a risk assessment that should allow the council to put controls in place and reconsider whether the red placard was still appropriate.

“This step, and especially as the geotechnical engineers will have further confidence following our next significant rainfall, is expected to allow the surf club to be safely reoccupied in due course.”

The Mount Hot Pools and Campground area

As part of the geotechnical assessment for this area, an automated alarm system is in place that would sound should there be further landslips.

Council said shipping containers have been installed beside the footpath along Adams Ave between Maunganui Rd and The Mall as a precautionary measure to stop potential debris movement.

If people are near the fencing when an alarm goes off, they’re advised to move away from the area as quickly as possible.

“People are encouraged to visit the area and support local businesses, but we ask them to respect the no-go zones, fencing, signage and on-site instructions,” the council said.

“Operational and assessment work is ongoing, and vehicles may still be operating in the area.”

Mauao remains closed

Recent monitoring and inspections have identified instability on sections of the maunga, including areas where rockfall and landslip risk has increased.

There are currently 40 landslips on Mauao, 29 of them are on the base track.

There are 40 slips on Mauao. Photo / Tauranga City Council Screengrab

Closing Mauao was to reduce the likelihood of injury or harm while further assessments and mitigation work is done, the council said.

“Public safety is the primary driver for this closure, and access will remain restricted until experts are confident the risks can be managed to an acceptable level.”

The council would be working closely with the Mauao Trust to ensure appropriate planning and works are done to ensure safety before public access.

“The Mauao Trust are yet to discuss with the iwi the terms of closure for Mauao.”