Sinkhole appears in Coromandel holiday town Whangamatā

1:43 pm on 16 January 2023
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Investigations are underway to determine what repairs are needed. Photo: 123rf.com

A section of road has been forced to close after a sinkhole appeared in Whangamatā.

The affected area, opposite 213 Papanui Rd, has been marked with cones, the Thames-Coromandel District Council said in a Facebook post on Monday morning.

"The road is closed between the intersections with Ruru Street and Gillian Street. Residents can still access their properties."

A local business owner told Stuff it was about 600mm across.

Initial investigations suggested the damage wasn't significant, a council spokesperson said early on Monday afternoon.

"It appears to be caused by material being washed away beneath the road surface through a stormwater pipe," they told RNZ.

The road, located in the south of the popular summer holiday spot, will be off-limits until at least Tuesday, when a more detailed investigation will take place.

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