A geotech appraisal and inspection of the cliff face behind the Clifton Road car park in Whakatāne has been undertaken to assess the implications of a recent rock fall. The inspection involved contractors abseiling down the cliff face to get a closer look at two separate rock falls and a dislodged pohutukawa tree that was still hung up on the upper slopes.

Whakatāne District Council Transportation Manager Martin Taylor says destabilisation of the cliff face by the tree’s roots was the likely cause of the rock fall. “The rock fall has left a narrow ridge in place, as well as several unstable outcrops and overhangs, and further rock removal and stabilisation work is likely to be required before the car park below can safely be opened for public use,” Mr Taylor says.

The Clifton Road car park will remain closed and the area of immediate risk fenced off until the work required has been completed, a process which could take several weeks.