The sinkhole which opened on the West Coast. Photo / Supplied
The emergence of a sinkhole on a West Coast street is a wake-up call for the rest of the country.
A man at the Brunner Workingmen's Club exposed an underground cavern with a shovel in Dobson near Greymouth on the weekend.
He was able to jump out of the way before a five-metre hole opened.
The sinkhole was caused by a dated asbestos pipe - with the cost of repair estimated at $150,000.
Grey District deputy mayor Allan Gibson said there's dated underground infrastructure throughout the country.
"Really I don't know how the Government is going to know where all the problems are going to be. You cant see under the ground."
The wishing tree appeal is in its 31st year and the need for it 'has never been greater'.