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Story: Human effects on the environment

Landslides

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Landslides

Heavy rainfall caused these landslides on steep ground near Mōkau, on the North Island’s west coast. Forest once covered the area, but was burnt off for farming. Although it is now covered with secondary growth, such cleared country is vulnerable to landslides.

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GNS Science

Reference: CN47052/8

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

Janet Wilmshurst, Human effects on the environment – European impact, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12545/landslides (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Janet Wilmshurst, published 2 March 2009.