Scientists to continue assessing Waihi slip area

Special teams of scientists are heading back into the Hipaua Thermal area this morning above the Waihi Village on Lake Taupo to continue assessing the possibility of a landslide.

Civil Defence expects to have a full report from GNS Science tonight at 4pm. The report will be assessed alongside further reports from Opus, predicted weather patterns and the possibility of further earthquakes. It will ultimately determine whether the area is deemed safe for residents to return home, and for SH41 to re-open.

Civil Defence Controller Shamus Howard said “It is still too early to make any calls this morning, but we will continue to assess the data as it comes to hand. We are looking forward to having the GNS report coming through quicker than expected enabling us to make more accurate predictions later today.”

State Highway 41 between Tokaanu and Pukawa will remain closed, and the Waihi Village evacuated until a final decision has been reached. “We are aware of the inconvenience caused by the closure, but the safety of the residents and motorists is still our main concern at this stage,” said Mr Howard.

Scientists had a productive day yesterday, accessing upper areas of the catchment by helicopter. Eleven metal pins have been placed in historically unstable parts of the hill which will be monitored for any signs of movement, with the last of the pins to go in today.

GNS Science reported that no significant signs of cracking or fallen rocks had been sighted, and that birdlife had returned to the area.

Meanwhile a welfare centre was set up in the old Trust Board building in Tokaanu at around 3pm yesterday for evacuated Waihi Village residents. The welfare centre, at a local marae and backpackers, is being handled by the Ministry of Social Development. It is reported that most of the residents have occupied the centre.

A meeting will be held tonight with affected residents to give them a full update of the situation, and to hear concerns. It is hoped that preliminary results from the report will be made available then, and a decision as to the level of continued caution.