Tauranga City Council crews are working urgently and safely to repair a sinkhole that appeared on Thursday on Golden Sands Drive in Pāpāmoa.

According to a council spokesperson, the sinkhole—known as a tomo—was caused by a failed wastewater pipe, which drew surrounding sand into the pipe system.

Council staff and contractors have secured the area and are taking steps to protect nearby underground services. The damaged pipe lies more than five metres underground, and the exact cause of the failure will be confirmed once excavation is complete.

“The wastewater pipe has now been isolated,” the spokesperson said. “Overland pumps have been installed to redirect the flow and are currently pumping wastewater to the Golden Sands pump station.”

A sinkhole opened up on Golden Sands Drive in Pāpāmoa . Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell

Traffic management is in place, with both lanes of Golden Sands Drive still operating. The council has assured residents and the Golden Sands School community that they are being kept informed.

While the work continues, residents may notice increased noise and odour from the temporary pumping system, as well as minor traffic delays.

“We thank the Pāpāmoa community for their patience as we work to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible,” the council said.