Auckland residents remain on high alert following a recent landslide that has forced the temporary evacuation of at least one home in Muriwai. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has raised concerns about the stability of the area and the potential for further disruptions.

The landslide affected a section of Motutara Road, causing a power pole to fall and leading to the evacuation of one household. Despite the disruption, Auckland Council’s chief engineer, Ross Roberts, confirmed that the road remains safe for travel, albeit reduced to a single lane.

"There is always going to be some movement that happens after a landslide, but it's not significant movement that's happening. It seems to be pretty stable at the moment," Roberts said in a statement to the Midday Report.

The affected homeowners are working with the council and their insurers to address the situation. While the area is currently deemed safe, the council is taking a cautious approach, especially given the history of landslides in the region.

Roberts also noted that this recent landslide is smaller in scale compared to the more severe slips that occurred in Muriwai in 2023 during Cyclone Gabrielle. Since then, the council has been working on moving people out of the most dangerous areas and implementing long-term community planning and infrastructure improvements.

So far, there have been no reports of injuries from the landslide. A geotechnical engineer is currently assessing the situation to ensure that the area remains safe for residents and that any necessary mitigation measures are in place.

As the council continues its efforts, the community remains vigilant. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges that coastal and hillside communities face in dealing with natural disasters and the importance of proactive planning and response strategies.