Photo / Tauranga City CouncilA rāhui is still in place for affected areas around Mauao and people are asked to respect it by not entering, swimming, gathering kaimoana, or undertaking recreational activities. “There are currently 40 landslips on Mauao, 29 of them are on the base track,” the mayor said. The road cordon around Mauao will be lifted, but the hill itself remains closed. Image / Tauranga City Council“Closing Mauao is to reduce the likelihood of injury or harm while further assessments and mitigation work is undertaken. Drysdale said any decision about the Mauao closure will be made with the council’s partners and will take into account the community’s aroha for it.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 05, 2026 18:21 UTC