Care Still Needed Along Eroding Coastline

The collapse of a natural tunnel at Back Beach is a reminder to take care near Taranaki’s coastal cliffs.

“The coastline is a dynamic one where slumps and slips will occur without warning, which is why we have warning signs in place,” says Manager Parks Asset Planning Trevor Hornby.

“It’s always wise for people to keep their distance from beach cliffs and not enter natural tunnels, so they’re not caught out if any soil suddenly gives way.

“In particular, people should stay off the loose soil from this latest collapse at Back Beach as the debris can shift and there is still material coming down the cliff.”

Council staff have checked the public tracks at the top of the bluff and found them safe following the tunnel’s collapse.

However the remains of four other recent slips were also spotted along the beach’s cliffs.

“The recent wild weather has given our coastline a battering so people should be extra vigilant about their safety,” he says.