By Michael Morrah
A landslip at Whakatane Heads has been causing problems for Muriwai Drive residents for almost a year, but it was contractors who were caught up in the latest landslide.
The dramatic hillside collapse was captured on camera, with a digger driver running to safety as the hillside crumbles.
The driver had been trying to shore up the bank and had to abandon his digger, which was buried by the debris.
A local videographer, who says he just happened to be in the right place at the right time, managed to film the collapse.
The contractor says it had a spotter watching the bank, and the driver was warned in plenty of time.
It's the latest setback for residents, with eight apartments empty since August.
The new slip is now being investigated by the Department of Labour.
Click ‘view video’ to watch the footage
3 News