Holes because lake low: Linz

One of the holes at Bremner Bay is still fenced off. Photo: Sean Nugent
One of the holes at Bremner Bay is still fenced off. Photo: Sean Nugent
Holes on the shoreline of Lake Wanaka at Bremner Bay are the result of natural subsidence because of low lake levels, Land Information New Zealand (Linz) says.

Linz deputy chief executive crown property Jerome Sheppard said a senior geologist had assessed the bay and determined it was a natural occurrence and the holes were not sinkholes.

''They [the geologist] advise that this is a perfectly natural phenomena, and the term 'sinkholes' is not accurate. As a result, people do not need to be concerned, but should take common-sense precautions such as keeping pets on a lead and children supervised if nearby.''

The level of the lake has been very low at times in the past year.

In June, it was 276.34m above sea level, the lowest since 2010, and close to the record low of 276.26m recorded in 1935.

While it has not fallen to such a level since, it was 276.65m earlier this month.

However, it is on the rise, and Mr Sheppard said the subsidence at Bremner Bay was expected to be submerged in due course.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement