Emergency services cordon tape at Mount Maunganui beach after landslide. Photo / Michael Craig
Emergency services cordon tape at Mount Maunganui beach after landslide. Photo / Michael Craig
Police have arrested and charged a man following an alleged breach at the Mount Maunganui landslide site cordon early this morning.
Police were notified around 2.30am that a man had allegedly entered the Mount Maunganui landslide zone, which is cordoned off for the public’s safety.
“Police coordinated a response withMāori Wardens, who are watching over the site, and a 20-year-old man was arrested,” Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Clifford Paxton said in a statement.
A man is due in Tauranga District Court on Tuesday, February 24, charged with breaching the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act and careless driving.
Paxton said the landslide site was a restricted area as it remained unstable and posed significant public safety concerns.
“The area is cordoned off with clear signage – there is no excuse to breach this.
“Any suspicious behaviour around cordoned, or restricted, areas should be reported to police immediately by calling 111, if it is happening now, or through 105 if it is after the fact.”
Information could also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
