Mount faces month’s closure

Damage at Mauao. Picture / Alan Gibson

Mauao, the mountain at Mt Maunganui, is likely to stay closed for at least four weeks due to flood damage.

Geotechnical experts yesterday began assessing the safety of the 232m volcanic cone, which was ravaged by more than 30 slips during last week's rain.

They were to continue their work today to determine whether it was safe for contractors to move in and fix base and summit tracks.

One of the largest slips is visible from Otumoetai, on the opposite side of Tauranga Harbour.

Mark Bruhn, team manager of regional parks and development at Tauranga District Council, said the ground was very unstable and the mountain was too dangerous for pedestrians.

Security guards had been installed at entrances to the base track after people ignored warnings to stay away. The track is particularly popular with walkers and joggers.

Mr Bruhn said it was understandable that people wanted access to Mauao but they had to wait until repair work was done.

Meanwhile, Tauranga flood victims say they gained little reassurance from a public meeting held yesterday to discuss measures being taken by authorities to save their homes.

"I didn't learn anything that I didn't already know," said Otumoetai resident Brent McDonald, who is staying in a hotel indefinitely after being evacuated.

Of 115 flooded houses inspected on Monday, 75 per cent were found to be contaminated by sewage.

Some of the houses will have to be condemned.

Decontamination of others that authorities deem liveable will take a minimum of six weeks.

About 200 people, mainly Otumoetai residents, attended the meeting.