Pāpāmoa sinkhole: 2m-deep tomo opens on Kapuka St after wastewater damage

Bay of Plenty Times

10 Sep, 2026 04:00 AMQuick Read

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A sinkhole has opened up in Pāpāmoa.

A 2m-deep sinkhole has formed in Pāpāmoa.

Tauranga City Council drainage services manager Radleigh Cairns said the sinkhole, also known as a tomo, formed on Kapuka St near Hebe Crescent following damage to a wastewater main.

Cairns said the tomo was about 2m deep and was reported to
the council about 11am on Wednesday.

“A wastewater line has been damaged, and surrounding soil entered the pipe, causing the sinkhole to form,” Cairns said.

Council contractors were on site making the area safe and assessing the damage to determine the repairs required.