'Infrastructure is failing': Akl street sinkhole reignites intensification fears
A sinkhole in an affluent Auckland suburb is sparking concerns about the resilience of the area’s ageing infrastructure amid ongoing intensification plans.
On Thursday, a section of Hackett St in St Mary’s Bay collapsed, forming a large hole 5m long and 3m wide.
The same part of the road was also damaged by flooding on Auckland Anniversary weekend in 2023, raising questions about the condition of the area’s underground infrastructure.
Tony Skelton was formerly chairman of the St Mary’s Bay Association and has lived in the area for 53 years with his wife.
He told the Herald there have been numerous other sinkholes in the area, with many residents concerned about upcoming plans to rezone the suburb.
Auckland Council has approved Plan 120, a move that would permit building heights of up to 15 storeys – increasing the strain on the suburb’s deteriorating water and wastewater network, Skelton said.
“The infrastructure is failing and we need a constant rate of repair.”
As a “crucial junction point for the entire network”, Skelton said the Hackett St engineered overflow point will be a serious concern during future severe weather events.
“There is potential for another catastrophic event in a storm.”
Hackett St is central to the coastal suburb, which is predominantly made up of historic villas. Photo / Google
But a Hackett St resident said that in a historic area like St Mary’s Bay, the collapse was not surprising.
“Old stuff breaks,” they said. “It’s 100 years old.
“I think the thing that worries people is there’s been a hole there for three years and it just collapsed.”
The resident said Watercare had responded to the incident quickly but with the road expected to remain shut for two months, they were concerned about emergency access to the neighbourhood.
“The thing that worries me is what happens when someone needs an ambulance or a fire engine.”
On social media, the St Mary’s Bay Association wrote that the sinkhole had reinforced the community’s concerns about local infrastructure.
“St Mary’s Bay is an older coastal suburb with steep terrain, narrow streets and ageing underground services.
“These factors must be properly considered before further intensification is enabled through PC120.”
The association said it is “not seeking to apportion blame” and hopes to see proper planning around further development of the area.
“We want to work constructively with Watercare, Auckland Council and elected representatives to better understand the condition of local stormwater, wastewater, and potable water infrastructure.”
Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne said the organisation is still investigating the cause of the sinkhole and has closed the street for repairs.
“We know this work is disruptive to the community and we’re keeping residents of Hackett St and nearby streets updated. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience while we do this critical work.”
Bourne said the work is expected to take about two months, but the length of time required will depend on the ground conditions and construction progress.
“We are doing reactive water and wastewater works on Hackett St in St Mary’s Bay where an existing area of collapsed road has deteriorated above our pipes.
“This work will allow us to maintain water and wastewater services to the surrounding neighbourhood while we repair the damage to underground infrastructure and the road.”
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