Friday 14 January 2011

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has closed the Te Tumu Cut groyne near Maketu to the public. The closure is effective immediately and barriers and signage will be placed at the site today.

The police are currently investigating a recent incident where a woman fell off the groyne and died. The Council will be carrying out a separate investigation to decide if any measures need to be put in place at this site in the future. The site is expected to be closed until both investigations are completed.

The purpose of the groyne, at the outlet of the Kaituna River through the Te Tumu Cut is to prevent the location of the river outlet changing position.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Rivers and Drainage Group Manager Ken Tarboton said the circumstances which had lead to the closure were tragic, and the Council needed to take immediate action.

“The Council is undertaking an investigation into what permanent measures may be needed at the structure. In the interim the structure will be closed to the public,” Mr Tarboton said.

“We have taken this action with the best interest of the public in mind and we want people will respect this and give us the time required to complete our investigation,” he said.

Signs and a barrier will be placed at the groyne to close the site and to inform the public.

ENDS

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