Update on road collapse in Whakarewarewa Village
Friday 29 July updates
4.30pm update
First and foremost our thoughts are with the couple involved in the incident and Rotorua Lakes Council will provide any support or assistance we can.
The council is working with Work Safe, which is making initial enquiries.
Work on repairs is expected to begin tomorrow (Saturday) but the road will remain closed to enable us to monitor the site in the coming days to ensure it is stable.
People who do not need to be there are asked to stay away.
The village has been temporarily closed to visitors by village management.
Signage is in place and there will be security on site as an added safety measure.
Council remains in contact with village and iwi representatives to keep them updated on progress.
10am update
Rotorua Lakes Council was notified of the incident on Wahiao Drive just before 2.15pm yesterday by a local representative from the village.
A crew from Council’s roading contractor was immediately sent to the village to inspect the site and make it safe.
The area around the hole remains cordoned off and the road is closed, with signage in place.
Work to fix the road will start as soon as possible and other roads in the village will be checked as a precaution.
Council will stay in touch with its contacts in the village to keep residents updated on progress.