Another section of cliff-face has fallen above the coastal track at the base of Maungauika / North Head in Devonport, blocking the path and causing damage to railings.
The slip was reported on Monday 27 July. This is the second significant slip within the last twelve months.
A section of the cliff face collapsed in July 2019 following a storm event, resulting in the closure of the coastal track while assessments were undertaken.
Nick Turoa, Tūpuna Maunga Authority Operations Manager, explains that further assessing the stability of the cliff face and safety of the track will inform next steps.
“The area in question is prone to slips, especially after rainy periods. The most recent slip is frustrating, however it does underscore the need to follow a careful and rigorous process to ensure the area is safe first and foremost.”
“The Tūpuna Maunga Authority have been working with geotechnical engineers and geologists to assess the cliff above the track. Due to the nature of the cliff face, there are a number of technical difficulties that we have been working through. Since the slip in 2019, and following the advice of the engineers, we have scaled the rock face and removed loose rock and dead vegetation. We have also had geologists and geotech specialists give advice on health and safety procedures, and we installed gates in the most prone areas, which can be locked when slips occur. Signage is also in place to advise the track is closed.”
“A geotech engineer has visited the most recent slip and we await an assessment and recommendations before considering our next steps. In the meantime, we ask the public to stay away from the Maungauika / North Head coastal track while assessments are carried out. Please respect the dangers, and do not cross the barriers.”
Maungauika Coastal Track cliff collapse