March 21, 2026

#regional: Aerial images reveal massive scale of Northland landslide recovery

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 21, 2026

New aerial images have highlighted the sheer scale of a major landslide in Northland, as recovery efforts continue in a region still dealing with the aftermath of severe weather earlier this year.

The images, taken over Helena Bay Hill near Whangārei, show a vast debris field stretching across the landscape, with hundreds of large boulders exposed as clearance work progresses. Some of the rocks uncovered during the operation are described as being larger than vehicles, underscoring the magnitude of the slip.

The landslide, triggered during intense weather in January, has blocked the main southern access route to the Whangaruru coast, cutting off communities and forcing reliance on alternative routes.

Contractors began physical clearance work in late February following weeks of planning, and the operation has since evolved into a large-scale logistical effort. Around 250,000 tonnes of debris is estimated to have come down the hillside, with approximately 15,000 truckloads required to remove the material.

The images also reveal the complexity of the job facing crews on the ground. Many of the boulders are too large to be transported by truck and will need to be broken apart before removal, adding time and cost to the recovery process.

Work is expected to continue through to at least June, when authorities will assess the extent of damage to the road and determine what long-term repairs are needed to restore full access to the area.

For affected communities such as Ōakura and surrounding coastal settlements, the landslide remains a major disruption. Recovery teams are now working closely with residents through Civil Defence-led workshops aimed at providing updates, support, and information on the next stages of recovery.

The wider region was hit by significant rainfall during the summer storms, with some areas receiving more than a season’s worth of rain in a short period, triggering multiple slips and infrastructure damage.

As recovery continues, the aerial images are providing both officials and residents with a clearer understanding of the scale of the challenge, reinforcing the long road ahead for Northland communities working to rebuild and reconnect.