“Terrified and Scared”: 150 Evacuated in Pāpāmoa as Massive Slip Threatens Homes and Watermain
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Emergency Desk
TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND (Wednesday, January 28, 2026) — In a dramatic escalation of the landslide crisis gripping the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City Council has ordered the immediate evacuation of approximately 150 residents from 30 properties in Pāpāmoa.
The emergency evacuation centers on Truman Lane, specifically targeting the Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing area near State Highway 2. A large slip, triggered by last week’s relentless rainfall, now poses an imminent risk to both lives and a critical watermain pipe serving the reservoir above the Marae.
🚨 Forced to Flee at Breakfast
For many residents, the evacuation order came without warning. Khiarne Taite, a Papakāinga resident, told RNZ that officials arrived at his door at 8:00 AM while the family was eating.
- Immediate Threat: “They came and told us we had to evacuate right then and there or they were going to remove us by force,” Taite said.
- Babies and Belongings: Most families were only able to grab essentials for their children. “We’re all terrified and scared for what’s going to happen to our house. All our belongings are still in the house.”
- Escalating Damage: The area had already been hit by a landslide just days prior, which Taite claimed destroyed one home and his uncle’s kitchen.
🌊 The Watermain Threat
Beyond the direct threat of soil movement, the council is racing to prevent a catastrophic utility failure.
- The Reservoir Risk: The slip has occurred perilously close to a primary watermain pipe. If the land subsides further, the pipe could burst, potentially causing a flash flood and cutting off water supplies to thousands.
- Geotech Assessment: Emergency Controller Tom McEntyre confirmed that Geotech experts are currently on-site assessing the stability of the slope and the integrity of the reservoir.
📊 Evacuation Summary: Pāpāmoa Slip
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Southern end of Truman Lane (Mangatawa Marae / Papakāinga) |
| Residents Impacted | Approx. 150 people / 30 properties |
| Current Threat | Landslide risk and potential watermain rupture |
| Timeline for Return | Unknown; awaiting Geotech safety clearance |
| Welfare Status | Council and iwi are providing support to displaced families |
🛡️ Iwi and Council Response
The Mangatawa Marae and its surrounding Papakāinga (housing for iwi members) are cultural and community hubs for the region. Many of those evacuated are elderly residents who have lived in the area for decades.
The council has set up cordons and is working with the Marae to ensure all displaced people have temporary accommodation. Residents are being urged to stay away from the exclusion zone as any further vibration or rain could trigger a second, larger slide.
