FAQs

A stormwater soakhole is an underground structure that allows stormwater from roofs or paved areas to soak into the ground instead of flowing into the public stormwater network. Soakholes are generally no longer consented or used in new developments in Ōmokoroa however some older properties may still have soakholes – particularly where they were an accepted way of managing stormwater when homes were built.

Technical advice indicates soakholes may be one contributing factor to land instability in some parts of the Peninsula. They are not considered the sole cause of land instability, but understanding where they are located is important for future decision-making and identifying longer-term approaches to managing stormwater.

This project is focussed on the eastern side of the Ōmokoroa Peninsula, generally from Margaret Drive and Trailee Street onwards – excluding low-lying areas within this area. 

If you live in this catchment, we will visit your property to determine if a soakhole is present and, if yes, gather basic information about it. 

No. Council staff will ask whether you have a soakhole and collect information if you choose to share it. If further information is needed, we'll contact you to arrange another visit.

At this stage, nothing. If Council staff visit your property, please let us know whether you have a soakhole and share any information you have about it. Or, if you prefer, you can let us know by emailing omokoroa.soakholes@westernbay.govt.nz

Land stability is influenced by many different factors, and having a soakhole does not automatically mean there is an issue with your property.

At this stage, the project is focused on gathering information rather than determining outcomes for individual properties. The information collected will help Council better understand the scale of the issue and inform future decisions, including potential long-term approaches to reducing reliance on soakage systems within the area.

No. This project is about understanding where soakholes exist, not investigating or enforcing against individual property owners.

That's okay. We understand not everyone will know whether they have one or where it's located. If you're unsure, simply let the project team know. We'll record that information and use it alongside other available records to help build a better understanding of the area.

Council staff will only enter your property with your permission. If you're not comfortable speaking with us during our visit, you can contact the project team afterwards to provide information or ask questions by emailing omokoroa.soakholes@westernbay.govt.nz

At this stage, it's too early to answer that question. No decisions have been made about future actions, including whether any changes may be needed, how they would be carried out, or who would be responsible for them. Those decisions will only be considered once we have a better understanding of the issue.

Once we've completed the information gathering, we'll consider what we've learned alongside technical investigations to better understand the issue. When we have a clearer picture, we'll be able to consider recommendations for next steps. That may include looking at infrastructure improvements, staged transition approaches, and other catchment-wide measures to reduce risk over time. We’ll keep you informed along the way.