THIS is the view that greeted Tracey and Andrew Neal in January, when Mangaotaki Rd began to subside near their property. Photo, Sigrid Christiansen.
A MYSTERIOUS slump in Mangaotaki Rd, about 4 km from Piopio, has neighbouring farmers dreading the possibility of a serious road crash.
Tracey and Andrew Neal say the slump, which appeared in January, is now about 500mm deep and growing in size. It does not appear to have been formed by a water course, so possibly has a tomo underneath.
Andrew said it seemed grossly unfair that they had put up with a damaged road for months while paying substantial rates.
“Roading is the only thing we get for our rates because we don’t have sewerage [reticulation], rubbish collection of anything like that. And we have been disappointed at the lack of information from the council and the time it has taken to fix it.”
Andrew, who has lived all his 57 years in the area, added that it was strange the section of road where the slump was located had not caused any problems in the past.
“There have always been cases of ground disappearing, but these have been caused by underground water systems, which we don’t think is happening here.”
Tracey said the council had tried but failed to repair the slump by filling it in.
The last communications they received was that it was down to be fixed in early May, however, it was still growing and now appeared to have become a serious road hazard.
“We know there are a lot of damaged roads in the district and people calling for their roads to be fixed, but this one appears to be quite serious,” Tracey said.
If the road were to become unpassable, residents in Mangaotaki Rd would see their drive into Piopio – now just a few minutes – expand to a journey of about an hour. Nearby residents would need about an hour-and-a-half to drive into Te Kūiti if the slump blocked their road.
“However, it’s the hazard that’s been created that worries us the most,” Tracey said.
Big vehicles using the road include logging trucks, stock trucks and occasionally a bus on the way to Hairy Feet Waitomo, which is nearby.
Tracey estimates that if a stock truck and trailer hit the slump it could cause a crash, at the very least, injuring or killing the animals being carried. If any vehicle hit it, it could certainly also endanger human life.
“It’s only got to go a little bit more and a big bus won’t be able to get around the corner.”
Waitomo District Council communications leader Jenelle Burnell said the situation was being managed.
“As our community will be aware, the roading network in our district has suffered extensively due to several major storm events in 2022 and 2023. This has resulted in a significant amount of roading repairs needed across the district.
“The slump on Mangaotaki Rd appeared around July 2022 after a significant storm event, and was reconstructed and built up with aggregate material to restore two trafficable lanes. During the Auckland Anniversary storm event, heavy rainfall resulted in this site slumping again. A temporary speed limit of 30kmh was imposed along with a give way system.
“Earlier this month, geotech engineers were onsite to undertake an assessment to determine a more permanent and robust solution for the road. Options are currently being considered.
“While it may appear the road is not receiving the attention it needs, please rest assured council’s roading team and contractors are working hard to ensure Mangaotaki Rd and other roads in our district are reinstated as soon as practicable.
“Not all roads and the ground they are built on are the same and some areas need a more thorough assessment and remediation than others.
“Council staff would like to thank the community for their understanding and patience.”
