Police have arrested and charged a 20-year-old man after an alleged early morning breach of the cordon around the Mount Maunganui landslide site.

Inspector Clifford Paxton, Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, said Police were notified at about 2.30am that a man had entered the restricted area. Officers coordinated a response with Māori Wardens who are watching over the site, and the man was taken into custody.

He is due to appear in Tauranga District Court on Tuesday 24 February, charged with breaching the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act and careless driving.

Police reiterated that the landslide zone remains unstable and is closed to the public, with cordons and signage in place. They’re asking people to report suspicious activity around restricted areas by calling 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 after the fact. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police did not detail the circumstances of the alleged entry, the nature of the careless driving charge, or whether any damage or injuries occurred.