Hipaua Thermal Area by Waihi Village (north west of Turangi)
There is a large thermal area above Waihi Village that poses a threat of landslide. Sometimes called the “steaming hills”, in the past landslides have caused major damage and loss of life. The last slip was around 1905. Risk factors include earthquakes, heavy rain activity and changes to the geology which indicate slippage or other warning signs.
UPDATE:
Key points
- Ÿ No change overnight.
- Ÿ SH41 between Tokaanu and Pukawa is closed and access is only available to emergency services. This will remain in place for now.
- Ÿ Waihi Village is completely closed and roadblocks are in place.
- Ÿ The police have reported no issues overnight.
- Ÿ A team of experts have been put together by GNS and they are on their way to the area to start gathering scientific data.
- Ÿ A no-go zone may be put in place later in the day due to risk of a large wave if there is a landslide.
Welfare
- Ÿ The villagers were very well prepared and were able to control their self evacuation. They were able to remove possessions and personal effects.
- Ÿ Most residents are staying with relatives or friends and we have provided alternative accommodation for those who required it.
- Ÿ All calls on road closures or enquiries about family members can be directed to the Council offices, 07 376 0899 or 0800 ASK TDC.
Investigations
- Ÿ We have requested assistance from experts to allow the best possible assessment of the risk.
- Ÿ The risk is currently unable to be quantified until we have that expert information so we believe the road and village will remain closed in the short term. This is difficult for those affected, but we are working with local residents to ensure their safety.
- Ÿ It is intended that a co-ordinated scientific approach be taken.
A team of experts has been put together by GNS and they will be onsite either today or tomorrow. The issues are complex, consisting of scientific data, weather, anecdotal evidence etc.
Access to area
- Ÿ There will be some restricted access for residents to go back into the village to pick up any possessions and we are encouraging them to remove any pets at this time.
- Ÿ There is a risk if there is a slip that the lake is unsafe. There may be a wave. Therefore we have had preliminary discussions with the harbour master we are looking at putting in a no go zone on the lake in Waihi Bay.
- Ÿ We believe the CNI signing will be held at Turangi at Hirangi Marae instead of Waihi Village. We are working with staff and visitors to bring out food etc from the village.
Adam Munro – EW
What are you going to be looking for:
- Ÿ A lot of existing information on the site. There is a lot of historical information so we are not starting from scratch. However very complex area and need expert advice. GNS experts on their way to the area.
- Ÿ Experts will be looking at hydrology, water temperature, where the water is flowing. Watching the weather etc.
- Ÿ There have been changes and we need to work with the experts to decipher what this means.
- Ÿ Waihi residents have brought this to our attention, they know their back yard better than anyone. There is something happening and we need deeper monitoring and science to allow us to assess any future actions and management of the area.
- Ÿ Historically there has been a joint monitoring programme by EW and TDC including bi-annual thermal imaging of the area which is ongoing. Ongoing imaging shows a trend where the field is slowly moving northwards. Also undertaken a lidar survey which looks at changes on the ground.
- Ÿ The infra-red survey is a complicated process and can take some time to analyse the results. At least three or four weeks to get any results from imaging. Weather conditions also need to be clear to undertake this imaging process (from the air).