Authorities responsible for the public reserve where three children lost their lives say the cliffs above the popular swimming hole were never inspected for stability - although the area had been hammered by floods in recent years.
The park at Totara Reserve, 30km northeast of Palmerston North, was
closed after the deaths on Friday and the tragedy will be discussed at a special meeting of the Manawatu District Council and Horizons Regional Council this morning.
The park is jointly managed by the councils.
Manawatu District Mayor Ian McKelvie yesterday told the Herald the council had never received any reports or information that would have indicated a collapse.
The Totara Reserve was severely damaged by flooding in 2004.
Floodwaters from the swollen Pohangina River swept through the publicly owned camping grounds, causing serious damage.
"We looked at that park [after the floods] at some length but not at this issue. I guess the reason for that is it wasn't considered to be a significant issue for the park or for safety."
Regional council chairman Garry Murfitt said a geological engineer would inspect the area, which would be closed until a risk assessment was done. Mr Murfitt said there was no indication that such a large area of the cliff would fall. "We would never have been able to foreshadow that would happen."
Mr McKelvie said the river was the responsibility of the regional council, but Mr Murfitt said the regional river scheme stopped at the park.
"Historically some small bits have fallen off cliffs, as they do. But historically [there's been] no indication that any large bits would do.
"It could have been made unstable by an earthquake and we'll be getting a geological scientist to have a look at the area so we can make sure ... these sort of things won't put public at risk," Mr Murfitt said.
Mr McKelvie said he visited the scene yesterday morning.
"It's so sad.
"It's just one of those absolute freak things that could happen almost anywhere at any time."
He did not want to prevent public access to the popular holiday spot.
"I don't see why you would permanently close it.
"This type of thing can happen almost anywhere when you're out and about with nature."
