New Zealand authorities have ended rescue operations for six individuals missing after a landslide at a popular campsite, transitioning to a recovery mission as heavy rain continues to challenge efforts. The decision followed the discovery of human remains, confirming that no survivors are expected from the Thursday disaster at Mount Maunganui.
The landslide struck on Thursday at Mount Maunganui, a sacred Māori site on New Zealand’s North Island, triggered by days of intense rainfall. It buried camper vans, caravans, and a shower block at the campsite, trapping six people who were staying there. Rescue teams, including fire and emergency services, worked tirelessly through hazardous conditions, but their efforts were hampered by unstable terrain and ongoing poor weather.
On Friday evening, search teams located human remains beneath the debris, leading Police Superintendent Tim Anderson to announce the end of rescue operations. “Tragically it is now apparent that we will not be able to bring them home alive,” Anderson said, adding that formal identification is underway. The victims include two teenagers, both aged 15, identified as Sharon Maccanico and Max Furse-Kee from Auckland, along with four adults: Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua; and Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha.
In a separate incident, two people—a grandmother and her grandchild—died in another landslide at Welcome Bay, near Mount Maunganui, as reported by Radio New Zealand. This underscores the severity of the weather system affecting the region, with heavy rain forecast to persist over the weekend, potentially including thunderstorms and hail that could further delay recovery.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the disaster site on Friday, expressing the nation’s collective grief. “Every New Zealander has been hoping for a miracle,” he said, acknowledging that the shift to recovery is “the news we have all been dreading.” Luxon praised the community’s response, noting the inspiring show of support as locals assisted in clearing debris in flood-affected areas.
Authorities now face scrutiny over whether adequate warnings were issued prior to the landslide. Reports indicate that a landslip was detected at the campsite and neighboring areas earlier on Thursday, raising questions about why evacuations were not conducted. Police have emphasized that the safety of recovery workers is paramount, with strict parameters in place for those on site due to the dangerous and unstable conditions.
The recovery operation is expected to take several days, as crews use heavy machinery to navigate the mud and debris. Chief Coroner Anna Tutton warned that the identification process will be “complex” and “painstaking,” but assured that efforts are being made to reunite families with their loved ones as quickly as possible.
This tragedy adds to a series of landslides in Mount Maunganui in recent years, prompting concerns about climate change and disaster preparedness in New Zealand. As the recovery proceeds, the focus turns to supporting the bereaved families and reviewing emergency protocols to prevent future calamities.
