Campers staying at a Hawke’s Bay campground have been ordered to leave the site within 24 hours after experts warned of an “extreme” landslide risk.
An inspection was launched at the Clifton Motor Camp 1, east of Hastings, after leaseholders at the campsite identified “dangerous trees” above the campground.
An independent geotechnical assessment from the Hastings District Council determined that land above the campsite was “highly unstable”, and that heavy rain, elevated groundwater levels, or an earthquake could cause the slope to fail.
Council said the slope failing would cause soil, rocks and large trees to fall directly onto buildings and caravans located at the base of the slope, and residents would have “little warning” to escape safely.
The review was prompted by the recent Mauao landslide tragedy in Tauranga, where six people lost their lives.
Clifton Motor Camp said it had previously experienced weather-related slips in the past, including one that damaged the toilet block and covered the playground area in April 2011.
In 2019, a slip from the Clifton Beach Cape Kidnappers escarpment put two tourists in hospital.
Hastings District Council chief executive Nigel Bickle said the decision to vacate was based squarely on expert advice.
“This is not a knee-jerk reaction. Following the Tauranga event, we asked experts to reassess sites like Clifton using current information and risk standards,” Bickle said.
“The advice is clear – the level of risk is extreme and cannot be ignored.”
Bickle said climate conditions and risk levels had worsened since earlier slips.
“Geotechnical science, modelling and national risk guidance have progressed significantly. We also know that more frequent and high-intensity rainfall events increase slope instability,” he said.
“The assessment we have now reflects today’s knowledge and today’s climate realities. It presents a far more serious risk profile than what was understood previously.”
Bickle said making the site safe for campers would require “significant engineering and draining works” and would likely cost several million dollars.
“We recognise this is distressing for the people who use the campground, some for many decades.
“But when expert advice tells us there is a credible threat to life, we have a responsibility to act.”
Council staff said it was working with support agencies to assist residents, including arranging security for the site and enabling safe access for residents to retrieve personal belongings.
MetService issued a heavy rain watch for the Hawke’s Bay region for 51 hours from 3pm.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including heavy rain on the way for the weekend, and a huge sinkhole swallows a road. (Source: 1News)