Businesses in the area have been impacted by restricted customer access.
Hot Spot Superette has closed after more than 20 years on Adams Ave, making it the second business on the street to shut since the landslide.
Saed Rajput, who owned the dairy for the past three years, closed its doors two weeks ago.
Hot Spot Superette on Adams Ave has closed. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
In August, Rajput told the Bay of Plenty Times that sales were down 90%, and he was paying business expenses out of his own pocket.
He declined to comment about the closure.
Rustica pizzeria on Adams Ave closed amid a road closure in August.
Owner Michele Delaini told the Bay of Plenty Times his business relied on foot traffic from people visiting Mauao.
He said the pizzeria was closed indefinitely.
Copenhagen Cones next door remained open.
Manager Shannon Hope said new Adams Ave fencing had cleared more outdoor seating for her customers.
The new fencing and warmer weather had made her optimistic for summer.
Rustica alongside Copenhagen Cones and Hot Spot Superette. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
“I think those fences made people think that there was some kind of danger down here, like keep out. Whereas now it’s a lot more open and inviting.”
Hope said this summer would be different to previous summers.
“But we’ve just got to take it as it comes.
“If the sun’s shining, there are people out. It’s got to get better.”
Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said Mount Maunganui business confidence “has been stronger”.
However, future prospects were strong with summer approaching.
“Businesses are eager to get back to a new normal.
“While the camp is unlikely to reopen, they are looking forward to Mauao opening and visitors once again enjoying the experience that makes the Mount so special.”
Cowley said he was surprised so many businesses had remained open.
“It’s a credit to each of the business owners and locals who have supported them during winter.”
He said businesses had experienced significant financial and personal challenges.
The reopening of Adams Ave created “increased certainty” for businesses and would have an immediate impact.
Pilot Bay boat ramp
Mount Maunganui Sports Fishing Club president Mark Hemingway said closures of the Pilot Bay boat ramp had been a “big inconvenience” for members.
“Most of our members are regular users there.”
However, member safety was a priority.
Pilot Bay boat ramp. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Hemingway said he knew one member who used the boat ramp most weekends when it was open.
Instead, he said members were using the Sulphur Point ramp, which was already at capacity on fine weekends.
Members had told Hemingway the boat ramp closures were a “pain”.
He said the club held tournaments throughout the year that used the Pilot Bay ramp.
“It’s an iconic boat ramp location, and locals have used it for many years.”
No more Adams Ave closures
Adams Ave was last closed temporarily after renewed landslide movement at the campground in July.
Recovery manager Charlie Rahiri said new protective measures meant the area was now secured.
The existing shipping containers at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park had been ballasted with 900 bags, each weighing about a tonne.
Rahiri said the temporary fencing was removed once the ballasting was installed.
The existing fencing at the campground was also repaired, and a new fence was installed at the Pilot Bay boat ramp.
“It is anticipated that Adams Ave will no longer be subjected to periodic closures under the Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP).”
The TARP was developed by geotechnical engineers for monitoring land movement and rainfall on Mauao.
Adams Ave during the campground rescue operation. Photo / Jason Dorday.
Rahiri said the boat ramp and car park were in an active landslide-risk zone and could close again if level three conditions of the TARP were met.
“Before launching, boat ramp users will need to understand that access may be restricted or closed at short notice for safety reasons.”
Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.