Speed limit reduced on Kaitemako Rd after slip worsens in heavy rain

A slip on a property adjacent to Kaitemako Rd. Photo / Hannah Litterick

The speed limit on Kaitemako Rd has been reduced to 30km/h after a slip in Welcome Bay worsened following last week’s heavy rainfall.

Tauranga experienced 147mm of rain when a sub‑tropical storm moved across the country on Thursday March 26, and Friday March 27, triggering further movement at a slip site that first appeared earlier this year.

The initial slip happened on January 22 – the day of the fatal landslides in Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay – but the ground slipped further on Friday, March 27.

Welcome Bay residents Hannah and Daniel Litterick, who live opposite the affected property near Kaitemako Rd, noticed the slip when they returned from Whitianga in January.

“The slip was fenced off so the neighbours could stop sheep from making their way into it,” Daniel Litterick said.

He said there was an unstable section of land above the original slip, estimated to be about 100sq m.

When the couple woke on March 27, that section had collapsed.

Kaitemako Rd is frequently used by heavy vehicles, including trucks servicing a nearby quarry, Litterick said.

“Each time a heavy vehicle drove past the slip, you could see it getting worse.”

Concerned about safety, he contacted Tauranga City Council, while Hannah Litterick shared a post on Facebook explaining why the speed limit had been reduced.

“This is why we’re telling you to slow down,” Daniel Litterick said.

“Because there’s potentially unstable ground, and the faster you go, the more impact you’re making.”

The speed limit on Kaitemako Rd has been reduced to 30km/h due to a slip. Photo / Hannah Litterick

Tauranga City Council has confirmed a temporary 30km/h speed limit is now in place as a precaution while the site continues to be monitored.

Transport system operations manager Shawn Geard said the temporary 30km/h speed limit for road users “has been implemented as a precaution while we continue to closely monitor the site”.

At this stage, the reduced speed limit is the only safety measure in place. However, the area is under regular observation.

“The site is being monitored by geotechnical engineers and visually assessed during and after any significant rainfall,” Geard said.

“While the road itself is not currently affected, we are keeping a close watch on conditions, particularly during wet weather.”

The council was also considering longer‑term solutions to address the slip and the surrounding area.

These might include retaining structures or permanent drainage systems to better manage runoff and seepage.

“As an immediate measure, a drainage sock is being installed to help prevent stormwater runoff from further damaging the exposed slope by directing water away from eroded areas,” Geard said.

Residents and road users are being urged to drive with caution through the area and to remain alert for signs of land instability, particularly after heavy rain.

“If you see, or suspect, that a landslide is occurring or may be imminent, evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so and move to higher ground, away from the potential path of the slip,” Geard said.

“Any landslides or concerns should be reported to [the] council by calling 07 577 7000.”