Evacuations after gas main strike in Birkenhead on Auckland’s North Shore

The gas leak in Auckland occurred between Pupuke Rd and Onewa Rd and the section of Birkenhead Ave was temporarily closed. Photo / Alex Burton

A gas main strike has forced precautionary evacuations on a road on Auckland’s North Shore, which was closed to motorists Wednesday afternoon causing delays.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson confirmed a gas main has ruptured on Birkenhead Avenue in Birkenhead.

One fire engine was in attendance assisting the gas company at the scene.

Fire and Emergency said some surrounding properties nearby were evacuated as a precaution but could not say how many.

Auckland Transport (AT) said at 3.35pm that diversions were in place on Birkenhead Ave, affecting all traffic including bus services.

The “possible gas main strike” occurred between Pupuke Road and Ōnewa Rd and the section of Birkenhead Ave was temporarily closed.

“Avoid this area or expect delays,” AT said.

Road workers on Birkenhead Ave following the gas main strike. Photo / Alex Burton

An update from AT at 4.40pm said the affected section of Birkenhead Ave was open again.

But the incident was still causing traffic delays.

An employee at the Birkenhead RSA around the corner from the leak said the business had not been advised by the gas company nor emergency services of the leak this afternoon.

She said members of the RSA - which is situated on Recreation Drive - were told to evacuate their homes and took refuge in the RSA.

The employee said it was the second gas leak on the road in less than a week, with the first allegedly being on Friday: “We certainly weren’t told this afternoon, and I think it’s quite appalling”.

She said the RSA had a number of events at the premises tonight and was concerned members wouldn’t be able to access the street.

Roadworks had been under way on Birkenhead Ave for some time and it had impacted the business “hugely”, the employee said.

The gas leak in Auckland occurred between Pupuke Rd and Onewa Rd and the section of Birkenhead Ave was temporarily closed. Photo / Alex Burton

BIRKENHEAD AVE, BIRKENHEAD - 3:35PM
Due to a possible gas main strike a section of Birkenhead Ave, between Pupuke Rd & Onewa Rd, has been temporarily CLOSED. Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions currently in place affecting all traffic, including bus services. ^JF pic.twitter.com/Znbi5BiExL

— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) January 22, 2025

– More to come