Tauranga City Council, with assistance from New Zealand Police, have evacuated the residents at Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing up to State Highway 2, near the southern end of Truman Lane in Pāpāmoa.

Around 150 people from 30 properties were evacuated to Baypark following a slip causing a risk to life and property after last week’s heavy rain.

The slip occurred near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the Marae, which has the potential to break should the land subside further.

Tauranga City Council Emergency Controller Tom McEntyre says staff are now assessing the reservoir and watermain, as well as having a Geotech expert onsite checking on the slip.

Mr McEntyre says the assessment will give a clear picture on a timeline as to when those evacuated can return to their homes.

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