Police can confirm the recovery operation at Mount Maunganui has resumed this morning, after specialist monitoring equipment was brought in overnight.
The search area was evacuated at 11.50am yesterday, after a contractor driver noticed potential instability on the face of the slip. Following advice from two independent geotechnical experts, it was deemed too hazardous for teams to continue working.
Bay of Plenty District Commandeer Tim Anderson says the recovery effort resumed at 10.30am today.
"Additional monitoring equipment has been brought in and specialist crews removed loose material that was of concern above the slip area this morning.
"This has meant recovery teams are able to return to work and continue the effort to return loved ones to their families.
"The safety of everyone working at the slip is important to us, and we will continue to monitor the hillside closely."
