Update as at 10.30am Monday 9 February, 2026:
Herepuru Road remains closed at the State Highway 2 end following a large slip that has made the road unsafe and impassable.
Over the weekend, Whakatāne District Council staff have been working closely with geotechnical engineers and specialist slip contractors to assess the site and plan the next steps.
The slip has occurred on a steep bluff above the road. Inspections have identified overhanging and unstable sections of rock and soil on the newly exposed slip face, which pose an ongoing risk of further material falling.
Whakatāne District Council Team Leader Capital Projects David Wathall says the Council is planning to carry out scaling of the slip face as the next critical step.
“Scaling involves the proactive removal of overhanging and unstable sections of the slip face to reduce the risk of further rockfall,” Mr Wathall says.
“A specialist scaling crew is expected to be on site this afternoon to begin setting up and commence this work.”
At this stage, the scaling activities are expected to take at least one week to complete. This work must be finished before it is safe to remove the slip material from the road. Once scaling is complete, we will confirm the timeframe for clearing the slip material.
“This scaling work is a critical prerequisite. We cannot safely begin clearing the slip material until the face above the road has been stabilised,” Mr Wathall says.
Residents who use Herepuru Road to access their properties can continue to access via Manawahē Road. We ask that people follow the road closure signage and avoid the road closure area.
The road will remain closed until the site is made safe and the slip has been cleared. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.