26 Jun 2023

Te Karaka iwi fear fragility of land could jeopardise their future

From Morning Report, 7:52 am on 26 June 2023

In the Tai Rāwhiti township of Te Karaka, iwi are worried about the future of the area's land and infrastructure.

Last Thursday, as river levels rose, Te Aitanga a Mahaki evacuated about 200 people to emergency accommodation.

Everyone is now back in their homes but the area is sodden, with hillsides on the move, compromising land, homes, and roads.

A big slip at Otoko Hill, near Te Karaka has also forced the closure of State Highway 2 to the north, until at least Friday.

Pimia Wehi spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.