Evacuated residents in Tairawhiti are waiting to return home

About 30 households in Onepoto and Te Araroa were evacuated last night, following landslide risks identified from the towns' hills.

Gisborne District Council says evacuees were moved to family, friends, and their wider community, as experts assess the possible danger.

Civil Defence Group Controller Ben Green, says affected locals have been understanding and cooperative.

He says they know their safety can only be assured by geotech experts on the scene.