The recent heavy rainfall has been no laughing matter around Whangarei but it hasn't stopped Mt Aubrey splitting its sides.
A huge scar now marks the south flank about a third of the way down the Whangarei Heads peak following a slip that saw boulders the size of small cars slide downhill yesterday.
The latest slice of cliff face tore downward through the forest about 300 metres south-east of where a 1000-tonne pillar toppled three years ago. It came to a halt well away from any buildings and posed no danger to private property.
Nearby resident Ken Nelson was at home when he heard - rather than felt - the earth move at about 9.15am yesterday.
"The noise was like a jumbo jet landing, when the engine goes into reverse thrust," Mr Nelson said.