19 June 2025
Jacinda Lean
PO Box 13486
Tauranga Central
Tauranga 3141
Kia ora Jacinda,
Local Government Official Information Request – Minden Road Erosion
I refer to your official information request received by Western Bay of Plenty District Council
(Council) on 3 June 2025 where you have requested information regarding underpinning
Erosion at Minden Road.
The answers to your questions are set out below:
The ongoing maintenance and functionality of Minden Rd is important, especially as it is a
key connector to the future Takitimu TNL with the interchange being constructed at the
bottom of Minden Rd. As noted above it is also regularly used as an alternate route to the
Kaimais & SH29 via Poripori Rd. There is a section of road on the downhill lefthand side just
below the Lookout & the Junction Rd intersection where underslip and erosion has continued
over the last years. Currently the farm fence posts no longer having any footing & the verge
is eroding up to and into the roading surface, with risks that the left-hand lane will become
impeded eventually.
Can you please provide information on:
a.
Any engineering or risk assessments undertaken over the last three years.
A Council engineer inspected the damage, considered different repair options, and
identified the preferred treatment by using his 30+ years of civil engineering training and
experience.
b.
Any investigations and reports on potential repair methodologies and mitigations.
A mass concrete block retaining wall will be constructed because it is the least disruptive
and most cost-effective option. These works are expected to start late June 2025 and are
expected to take 2- 3 weeks to complete.
c.
Estimated costs for all repair options.
The cost of constructing the wall is expected to be between $15,000 and $20,000.
A6796307
d.
Process for decisions to be made about the preferred repair methodology and timing.
The decision to construct a retaining wall was made by experienced Council engineers
exercising sound engineering judgement.
e.
Any risk management plans or alternate traffic plans, (especially when the underslip
increases to impact load bearing or the width of the lane).
The site is monitored. If erosion compromises the carriageway, a lane closure will be
implemented to reduce the risk to road users and manage traffic passing the site.
Ngā mihi
Peter Watson
Acting General Manager
Infrastructure Services
