MNZ national on-scene commander Rob Service yesterday said he had hoped some beach access restrictions would be lifted this weekend but that was now unlikely to happen until next week.
Restrictions remain in place from Tay St in Mt Maunganui to Maketu.
"We have a process to follow before we can lift the access restrictions, including ongoing surveys and consultation with key parties," Mr Service said.
"We know people want to get onto some of those beaches, but we can't rush in - we must ensure we have worked carefully through that process."