Major land slip on Matakanohi Walkway

The Matakanohi Walkway on the west side of the Waikato River has been closed due to a major slip between Ann St and St Andrews Terrace. The slip has rendered the walkway unusable and presents a significant danger to the public.

Residents are advised to stay away from this section of the walkway due to the potential threat of further erosion. The slip has occurred on private land above the walkway and involves a damaged concrete retaining wall.

The landslide was assessed by engineering consultancy Tonkin and Taylor. Company spokesperson Ted Willson says that the danger of the area should not be under estimated.

“We have assessed the landslide to present a severe danger to the river walkway particularly if the landslide and concrete debris should collapse further. The public would be putting them in severe danger if they were to ignore barricades and venture into the walkway. ”

Barricades were put in place two weeks ago by Council closing the walkway due to the threat of land movement. Members of the public have been removing the barricades and ignoring warning signage. Council is continuing to reinstate and strengthening barricades and public are asked to take serious heed of the warnings for their own safety.

It is estimated that the affected section of walkway will remain closed for up to three months until remedial work stabilises the area.

The public can gain walking access to St Andrews from Ann Street by avoiding the walkway and instead taking the steps up to Beerescourt Road and then back to the riverside walkway at St Andrews Terrace.

Other closures along our riverside walkways continue due to slips and high river levels.

Rising river levels today mean that all lower sections of the river walkway network are closed with many areas being completely submerged.

People are strongly advised to avoid all lower level walkways until further notice.