Former Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis says he has lost his home because of a volatile landslip in Bucklands Beach, Auckland.
Manukau City Council has warned the public to stay well clear of the cordoned off area between 114 and 118 Clovelly Rd, Bucklands Beach, because of the slip.
Residents of five homes on three sections of land were evacuated on Monday due to the severe land subsidence towards a cliff face.
Sir Barry, Manukau's mayor for 24 years before retiring last year, said he had lost his home.
He told One News the noise of the landslide was "extremely frightening" and had wondered whether he was the victim of a home invasion.
Manukau City Council economic director Rick Walden said the council's geotechnical experts had advised it was a significant slip which could go at any time.
"It is extremely important that no one goes near the slip area. We don't know when it might go.
"We have already cordoned off the area and we urge people not to walk along the foreshore in front of the properties because of the high risk of the slip moving rapidly at any time.
"We have been advised that the cause of the slip is natural, with rock within the cliff face fracturing and giving way.
"The subsidence is towards the cliff face. The road remains open and other residents can go about their day-to-day activities."
The council will have security at the site to ensure people do not go on to the walkway or put themselves at risk, he said.
The slip comes as the council continues to monitor the area in Kawakawa Bay, on Auckland's south-eastern coast where a massive landslip has threatening homes .
Engineers working for the Manukau City Council said the sliding slab of land was unpredictable and "very dangerous".
The Kawakawa-Clevedon road, which is blocked by the landslip, is likely to remain closed for about a month but would be regularly reviewed.
Alternative transport options arranged by the council begin today. They include a ferry, and bus services.
