The road closed earlier this month due to a slip caused by recent storms.
So far, a specialist team has been assessing the slip face by abseiling down it, identifying and removing lose and unstable rocks.
Whakatāne District Council said this will stop rocks falling onto the road in the future.
"Pneumatic air bags (which are strong inflatable cushions filled with compressed air) are used to apply slow, controlled pressure to safely dislodge and remove this unstable rock on the cliff face, as well as air powered jack hammers," the council adds.
It explained that this work must be completed before the slip can be safely cleared.
Crews have been abseiling the slip face to assess the damage and remove loose rocks. (IMAGE SUPPLIED: Whakatāne District Council)
"Once scaling is complete, it will then be safe for Council crews to access beneath the slip face, but the area remains unsafe for the public."
Removal of the slip material will begin tomorrow although "clean‑up work is expected to take a couple of weeks, with timeframes becoming clearer as work gets underway."
Herepuru Road remains closed at the State Highway 2 end as work continues.
Residents can still gain access to the road via Manawahē Road.
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