Widespread instability on Mauao has forced prolonged access restrictions, disrupting Mount Maunganui’s visitor-driven economy and challenging local businesses to adapt, writes editor David Porter.
Empty seats and lack of foot traffic is making it difficult for Mount Maunganui businesses even on this stunning Bay day. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The slips on Mauao have reshaped more than the Mount Maunganui landscape.
They have disrupted a local economy built on access, movement and visitors and the path back will be neither quick nor simple.
Six people lost their lives in late January after a major slip on the iconic maunga. Since then, geotechnical assessments have confirmed widespread instability across the reserve, forcing extended closures and compounding pressure on surrounding businesses.
Mahé Drysdale
Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale says the engineering picture is now clear. More than half of the 42 landslips identified on Mauao will require substantial intervention before tracks can safely reopen.
“This is not a short-term fix. Some of these areas will require significant engineering solutions, and that takes time.”
Risk management measures are now a permanent feature of the landscape. Protective tarpaulins have been installed across vulnerable faces of the maunga, forming part of an evolving response plan that is triggered by weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall.
“As risk levels change, our response will change. But this is the reality we are dealing with now. We’re having to adapt to a different operating environment.”
Those controls will continue to affect access around the Mount, including nearby roads and facilities, under certain conditions. The surf club and boat ramp remain priorities for reopening, but only when safety thresholds are met.
At the same time, Drysdale is keen to reinforce that the commercial heart of Mount Maunganui remains open.
“While Mauao itself is closed, local businesses are very much operating and need support,” he says.
Life goes on in the shadow of Mount Maunganui with evidence of the devastating slip still prominent. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
For Mount-based businesses, the loss of foot traffic has been immediate and tangible.
Glenn Dougal, a long-time Mount business owner and regional councillor, says the temporary closure of Mauao and the campground has removed a critical flow of customers.
“Access to the maunga is part of the Mount’s daily rhythm,” he says.
“When that stops, the impact ripples right through hospitality, retail and accommodation.”
Dougal says the community understands why restrictions are in place, but the economic consequences are real.
Glenn Dougal
“This has been a tough period for businesses that rely on regular visitors and locals moving through the area. There’s no getting around that.”
Support mechanisms are beginning to take shape. The Mount Maunganui Business Association has been coordinating assistance, and the Mayoral Relief Fund has provided some financial relief for those most severely affected.
“The business community here is resilient. Historically, when we’ve faced disruption, we’ve pulled together and that’s happening again.”
He says collaboration, rather than competition, will be key over the coming months.
“As business owners, we’ll support each other, share information and do what we can to help those who’ve taken the biggest hit,” he says.
The cruise ships are still coming to the Port of Tauranga and spilling the tourists into the region. Last month it was Anthem of the Seas. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Regional economic development agency Priority One is also part of the broader response, working alongside councils and government agencies.
Dave Courtney
Chief executive Dave Courtney says while others are leading the immediate recovery, Priority One is listening closely to its members.
“There’s a strong desire from businesses to help – whether that’s through direct support, partnerships or finding practical ways to keep economic activity moving,” he says.
Courtney says reduced foot traffic remains the dominant concern, particularly if access restrictions extend longer than anticipated.
Police have now formally taken over the operation from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, marking a transition from emergency response to longer-term management.
For Mount Maunganui, recovery will be measured in months and years rather than weeks. For local businesses, the challenge is to remain viable while the landscape – physical and economic – slowly stabilises.
The Mount has weathered disruption before. The question now is how the community adapts to a future where access, safety and resilience are no longer taken for granted.
The Mount Maunganui landslips resulted in six deaths and much disruption. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
