A devastating landslide has struck a popular campsite in New Zealand, leaving two dead and six missing, including teenagers, after heavy rains pummeled the North Island. The incident has triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation, with authorities working around the clock to locate survivors amidst unstable conditions.
The landslide hit the Beachside Holiday Park at the base of Mount Maunganui on Thursday morning, during the summer school holidays when families were camping. Emergency services responded to reports of a massive slip that buried vehicles, travel trailers, and an amenities block under debris, with images showing crushed structures and flattened tents. The campsite, a sacred Māori site and tourist attraction, has experienced several landslides in recent years, but this event was particularly severe due to the ongoing wet weather.
In a separate incident at Welcome Bay, a landslide destroyed a house, killing a grandmother and her grandchild, one of whom was a Chinese national. At the Mount Maunganui campsite, six people remain unaccounted for, with police seeking information on three additional individuals believed to be international tourists who may have left the area. The youngest missing person is a 15-year-old teenager, adding to the tragedy that has gripped the community.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the disaster site on Friday, expressing that New Zealand is “full of grief” and offering support to affected families. He praised the professionalism of rescue teams and the community’s outpouring of aid, but warned of ongoing challenges, including road closures and the risk of further slips. The Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, Wang Xiaolong, confirmed the death of a Chinese citizen and thanked local authorities for their assistance.
The landslides followed days of heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding across the North Island’s east coast, with New Zealand’s meteorological service issuing warnings for thunderstorms and strong winds in regions like Gisborne and Tauranga. Civil defence agencies advised residents to evacuate if in danger, as landslides can occur without warning, and some areas remain inaccessible due to damaged infrastructure.
Rescue efforts have involved sniffer dogs and teams working 24/7, but no signs of life have been detected under the rubble since the initial hours after the slide. Police superintendent Tim Anderson stated that while hope persists, the environment is challenging, and recovery operations are proceeding cautiously due to instability. Eyewitnesses, such as Australian tourist Sonny Worrall, described the terrifying moment the landslide descended, forcing them to flee for their lives.
Questions have arisen about evacuation protocols, as reports indicated a smaller slip occurred earlier in the day without prompting full evacuations. Local officials, including Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale, acknowledged these concerns and promised investigations once the immediate crisis is over. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities in disaster response, especially during extreme weather events exacerbated by climate trends.
As the search continues, authorities urge residents to follow safety advisories and avoid landslide-prone areas. The government is coordinating relief efforts, but with volatile weather expected to persist, the focus remains on supporting grieving families and assessing long-term impacts. The tragedy underscores the need for enhanced preparedness in regions susceptible to natural disasters, as communities grapple with loss and uncertainty.
