About Landslides
Landslides, often known as slips, can be triggered by a range of different natural events such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, as well as human activities like deforestation, construction, and land use changes.
The Bay of Plenty has significant areas that are prone to landslide due to the steep hilly terrain within the region, and exposure to natural hazard events such as severe weather, earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Landslides can happen at any time, even after heavy rainfall has stopped, so it’s important to know the natural warning signs so you can keep yourself and your whānau safe.
Pro tip!
Are you prepared for a landslide?
Know your risk. Find out if you live, work, or spend time in an area that is susceptible to landslides. You can click here to view known areas in the Bay of Plenty that are susceptible to landslides on the Bay of Plenty Natural Hazards Viewer - BayHazards
Know the natural warning signs. Landslides can happen without warning, so stay alert and look out for the warning signs. You'll need to act quickly if you see them:
Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes.
Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building.
Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly.
Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces.
Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences.
Act quickly to get out of the landslides path. Moving out of the path of a landslide is your best protection. If a landslide occurs or you see any signs that the ground is unstable – evacuate immediately. If lives are in danger dial 111. Otherwise, seek advice from your local council once you are in a safe location.
If you’re inside: If you are in a property that could be or is being impacted by landslide debris, move to the side of the house furthest from the landslide. This is likely to be the safest location within the property. Take your pets with you, and move livestock to safe paddocks, if you can do so without endangering yourself.
Alert others if it is safe to do so. Alert those around you, such as your neighbours as they may not be aware of the potential hazard. Advising them of a threat may save their lives. Help those who need assistance to evacuate if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
Stay alert. Landslides can still occur after heavy rainfall or other natural hazards such as an earthquake. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Be especially alert when driving. Watch the road for collapsed areas, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of a possible debris flow.
Wait for the all-clear. Following a landslide, stay away from the landslide area until officials say it’s safe to return, as further landslides may occur.
I have come across a landslide, what should I do? If you encounter a slip in your local area, report it to your local council. If you encounter a slip on a state highway, contact Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, call 111.
