Three weeks after a large sinkhole disrupted a section of Golden Sands Drive in Pāpāmoa, repair crews have completed the most critical stage of work - fixing the failed wastewater pipe that caused the collapse.

Council contractors have been working carefully around complex infrastructure near the site.

“The works have been complex due to the closeness to the nearby pump station, road, residents’ houses and the depth of the pipe,” Tauranga City Council Drainage Services Manager Radleigh Cairns said.

“The damaged wastewater pipe has now been fixed and CCTV carried out to assess the stability of the rest of the line.”

Caused by a failed wastewater pipe, the tomo was more than 5m deep and 3m wide and was discovered on May 1 next to a public footpath on Golden Sands Drive, opposite Golden Sands School.

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

Cairns said debris is now being removed from the line to enable flows to restart.

“Once flows have been reestablished, the remediation of the tomo will commence with back filling starting next week.”

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.

“We thank the community and nearby residents for their continued patience while contractors and staff undertake the required works.”