Mauao safety warning: 40 slips, rockfall risk and strict no‑go zones in place

Mauao remains closed as Tauranga City Council assesses 40 landslips on the mountain.

A video posted on the council’s Facebook page shows the extent of the damage after severe weather in January.

More than 200mm of rain fell 24 hours before the January 22 landslides in title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/faces-of-the-victims-grandmother-grandson-named-as-victims-of-welcome-bay-landslide/W4ATIDGFLRFYHMBSR7ZVHECLVQ/">Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay that killed eight people.

Cordons placed around Mount Maunganui have been lifted but Mauao remains off limits.

“We’re getting lots of questions about why Mauao is closed … In short: there are 40 landslips on Mauao, 29 on the base track, and the area is too unstable to keep people safe right now,” council said in a post on Facebook.

“Permanent fencing and a 30‑metre maritime exclusion zone are in place, and shipping containers have been added along Adams Ave as a precaution.

“Monitoring shows increased rockfall and slip risk, so access will stay restricted until experts say it’s safe.”

Council said the Mount was open for business and thanked people for continuing to support local businesses.

“Just please respect the fencing, signage, no‑go zones and any alarms that may sound.

“Please be kind to our wardens and security guards. They’re working hard to keep everyone safe while assessments and mitigation work continue.”