Kawakawa Bay landslip
Wednesday September 3, 2008
Movement is still continuing to build up pressure behind the rock face of Turei Hill, but it is unclear when a major landslip will happen.
Manukau City Council Economic Director Rick Walden says that although movement isn’t as big as previously the danger is still high.
“A lot of debris is being held back by a small rock face, at some point that pressure will release and bring down hundreds of thousands of tonnes of debris.
“We expect that when it rains there could be some substantial movement. Nature is unpredictable so it is difficult to know when a major slip might happen. Geotechnical experts are continuing to monitor the landslip.
“The council would like to thank the Orere Point and Kawakawa Bay communities for their patience. We realise the inconvenience and frustration the landslip is causing,” Mr Walden says.
An official walking track behind the landslip area is now open and a track for a four wheel drive shuttle service is being constructed. This should be open in the middle of next week.
The council would like to thank the Couldrey family for providing this public access. Please respect that this is through their private farmland and follow the conditions so permission to use it isn’t withdrawn.
These include keeping to the marked areas, using during daylight only, not interfering with farm operations, keeping farm gates closed. The full list of conditions are on signs and will also be handed out to people using the public access.
Ferry and bus services are now in also in place as alternatives to driving around the long southern route. These services are being provided at a cost to the council and are aimed at offering an alternative to driving. It is not possible to provide a full public transport service to meet the range of different needs.
The road below the landslip is likely to remain closed for at least a month because of the potential risk to public safety. The landslip began in late July. Regular updates and details of alternative transport options are available through the council call centre (phone 262 5104) and at www.manukau.govt.nz.
Residents who live in the Kawakawa Bay area and have been affected by the landslip may be eligible for immediate assistance.
For more information call the GOVERNMENT HELPLINE 0800 779 997. One call will connect them to the right range of services.
Alternative transport options
Ferry:
From 1 September Pine Harbour Ferries service between Kawakawa Bay and Pine Harbour Marina. Journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
6.15am Pine Harbour Marina to Kawakawa Bay Boating Club
7am Kawakawa Boating Club to Pine Harbour Marina.
5.40pm Pine Harbour Marina to Kawakawa Bay Boating Club.
Manukau City Council will provide this free for a week, then review to decide if it will continue to be free or subsidised instead.
Bus:
The following bus services will run next week on a trial basis, it will be free for the week and then if the service continues there will be a cost that will be subsidised by Manukau City Council.
Bus to Thames Shopping Mall - Monday 1 September AND Wednesday 3 September AND Friday 5 September.
Bus to Papakura Intercity Bus Stop (next to Selwyn Arcade) - Tuesday 2 September AND Thursday 4 September.
Departure daily from Kawakawa Bay Hall at 9.30am, Orere Hall at 9.40am. Return daily from Thames OR Papakura drop off points at 5pm.
