Drone video shows 40 landslips on Mauao, including 29 on the base track, with the area too unstable to keep people safe. Video / Tauranga City Council
A total of 42 slips have been detected on Mauao to date.
It has now been four weeks since the major landslide went through the Mount Maunganui Beach Holiday Park, claiming six lives.
Since then, geologists and geotechnical engineers have provided their latest assessments to Tauranga City Council after inspectingthe Mauao landslide and affected walking tracks.
“Engineers from WSP found multiple landslides have occurred on Mauao, with a total of 42 landslides inspected on the walking tracks,” the council said today.
Twenty-four landslides fall within the “moderate, moderate–severe, and severe” categories, indicating locations where track reinstatement is likely to require more than simple cleanup.
Twelve of the landslides are in the “severe” category, and the impacts of these generally involve high complexity, higher cost, longer timeframes, and often require staged or multi-disciplinary interventions, the council said.
Smart monitoring system installed on Mauao hillside
“WSP has installed a smart monitoring system on the hillside to keep a close eye on any early signs of ground movement.
“The system uses seven cameras along with sensors fixed into the ground to continuously track what’s happening on the slope.”
Six cameras focus on specific high‑risk areas, and one additional camera provides a wide view across the eastern side of Mauao and can zoom in when something needs a closer look.
Behind the scenes, a computer system analysed the camera footage in real time, the council said.
A row of shipping containers inside barrier fence partly obscure the view of slip-ravaged Mauao as people wander along Adams Avenue on February 9. Photo / Sandra Conchie
“If it detects movement above a set threshold, it automatically triggers an alarm on-site, notifying anybody within the vicinity, so experts can investigate straight away.
“The ground‑based sensors add another layer of protection by measuring movement, changes in orientation, crack development, and rainfall intensity."
Together, these tools gave experts a clear, up‑to‑the‑minute picture of how the slope was behaving, allowing them to respond quickly and help keep the community safe, the council said.
As a result, a Trigger Action Response Plan had been developed for the site, and real-time monitoring was now occurring.
He Maimai Aroha centre closure
He Maimai Aroha Community Care Centre will close at 1pm on Sunday.
Established in the wake of the Mauao landslide, the centre has supported those affected and provided a dedicated space for reflection over the past weeks.
He Maimai Aroha Community Care Centre is located in the former Bay City Cinema building at 249 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
“All condolences shared at the centre will be respectfully archived,” Tauranga City Council said. “A separate plan is being developed for the future location or disposition of the condolence boards in consultation with the families.
“We will continue to keep stakeholders and our community updated on next steps and timeframes.”
