Five Bucklands Beach properties have been evacuated after a major slip over the weekend, reports Neil Duddy in the Eastern Courier.

The cliff-top houses on Clovelly Rd, including a property owned by former Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis, have been cordoned off and a walkway to the beach and the foreshore has also been closed.

The road remains open.

One home has been damaged by the subsidence.

Residents have been given the opportunity to move belongings from their houses.

Manukau City Council economic director Rick Walden says the council is putting the residents' safety first.

"Geotechnical advice is now being sought regarding the cause. However, our first thought is for the residents' and public's safety.

"The area including the beach is being fenced off and it is essential that people stay away from the area," he says.

"We are constantly monitoring the situation, and will be providing regular updates.

"It is unclear as to the extent of the problem or when it might move further. This aspect will be included as part of the ongoing geotechnical and engineering investigations."

Bucklands and Eastern Beaches Residents Association member Shirley Warren says residents have known for years that the area was unsafe.

"We've been waiting for this to happen, it has just been a matter of time because there have been many slips on those cliffs," Mrs Warren says.

"The area is made of soft sandstone and there have been a few backyards that have gone over the cliff into the sea."

Mrs Warren, a Pakuranga Community Board member, says residents have been concerned that the council has allowed more development on the cliff edges in recent years when it should have been aware of the potential hazards.

"Since at least 1988 it has been known that building up there was unsafe."

Mrs Warren says because council staff change rapidly it is possible thay were not as up to date with the situation as residents.

Sir Barry Curtis declined to comment on the issue for legal reasons.