A police cordon at the corner of Sandhurst St and Truman lane, Mangatawa. Photo: LAUREN CRIMP / SUPPLIED
Tauranga City Council has evacuated residents in an area of Pāpāmoa, where a slip poses a risk to life and property.
About 150 people from 30 properties near the southern end of Truman Lane, which includes the Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing up to State Highway 2, have been evacuated.
The council said after last week's heavy rainfall, a slip has occurred near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the Marae, which has the potential to break should the land subside further.
Residents told RNZ those evacuated included older residents.
Papakāinga resident Khiarne Taite said officials came to their door at about 8am and told them they had to leave immediately.
"We got a knock on the door out of the blue while we were eating breakfast. They came and told us we had to evacuate right then and there or they were going to remove us by force."
He said the area was hit by a landslide last week.
"We're all terrified and scared for what's going to happen to our house. All our belongings are still in the house. We were only able to grab a few things for our babies.
"We're worried it's going to be an even bigger landslide than a couple of days ago. The landslide that happened already has taken out a house and my uncle's kitchen as well."
Taite, who lives with his aunty, said they did not know when they would be able to go back home.
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.
The assessment will give a clear picture on a timeline as to when those evacuated can return to their homes, he said.
Residents near the southern end of Truman Lane, which includes the Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing up to State Highway 2, have been evacuated. Photo: Google Maps
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