Hole Appeared in Waihi  Press Release 12 June 2009


Council was advised this morning that a hole had appeared in Waihi on the State Highway by the netball courts.

The State Highway was closed to enable staff and a geotechnical engineer to investigate the cause.

The geotechnical engineer identified the likelihood that the hole may have been created by a water leak in the water main that runs along the State Highway although this can not be definitely confirmed. The leak had been repaired recently but the void was not obvious while that work was being undertaken. The geotechnical engineer was clear in his opinion that the void was not associated with the old underground mine workings.

State Highway personnel and equipment have dug the loose material out of the hole and filled it with compacted material. It is expected that the State Highway will re-open again later this afternoon.

L D Cavers
Chief Executive


For further information please contact Mr. Ken Thompson on 07-862-8609