On the morning of Wednesday, 16 April, a large rock fall occurred at the coastal bluff section of Herepuru Road west of Matatā.

Shortly after receiving the call, the area was inspected. While our Contractor and Roading Inspector were on site, three further large rocks fell from the bluff face, each rock approximately one cubic metre in volume.

Due to the rock face continuing to be unstable following the initial fall, the area is unsafe to carry out any clean-up operation or reopen the affected section of road to traffic. With a large overhang still being present in the vicinity of the fall, and further heavy rain forecast for Friday and through the Easter weekend, it has been decided that the bluff section of Herepuru Road between the gates will remain closed over the Easter Weekend period. The site will be re-inspected on Tuesday morning to assess the feasibility of carrying out the clean-up operation.

For any queries, please phone Whakatāne District Council on 07 306 0500.