Three homes are being evacuated near Paihia because of a slow moving landslide.

The Far North District Council is worried about the naturally occurring slip which poses threats to the three properties in Hihitahi Rise and Te Haumi Drive.

The area's been unstable for years.

Council spokesman Dean Myburgh says geotechnical engineers have advised the council that several homes at the top of the slip are unsafe for occupation.

They're looking at compensation by the Earthquake Commission.