Story: Landslides

Abbotsford landslide

Abbotsford landslide

New Zealand’s most publicised landslide occurred in the Dunedin suburb of Abbotsford. Cracks were first noticed by residents in 1969. In May 1979 an underground water pipe was unearthed and engineers noted that ground movement had caused it to split. Large cracks soon appeared in the earth. On 8 August the slope failed. The homes in the centre of the photo slid from left to right, carrying 17 people with them. Luckily no one was injured.

Using this item

GNS Science
Reference: SL47/44
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Michael J. Crozier, 'Landslides - Alpine, low mountain and layered rock landslides', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8790/abbotsford-landslide (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Michael J. Crozier, published 12 Jun 2006