The devastating landslide at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, nestled at the base of the sacred Mauao volcano in Tauranga, New Zealand, has left the nation in mourning and sparked intense scrutiny over safety protocols. The tragedy claimed six lives amid record-breaking rainfall, turning a popular summer getaway into a scene of unimaginable loss.
The disaster struck on Thursday, January 22, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., when heavy rain triggered a massive slip from the slopes of Mauao, burying tents, caravans, vehicles, and amenities block. Police initially listed six people as missing and presumed dead: Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville (a heroic literacy coordinator who warned others to flee); Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, a Swedish tourist on a spontaneous backpacking trip with friends; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotahā; Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland; and Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland (boyfriend of Sharon, identified on what would have been his 16th birthday).
The event occurred in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty region, a beloved tourist spot for beaches, hiking, and camping. Victims included locals, families on holiday, and an international visitor exploring New Zealand’s beauty.
Key controversy centers on whether authorities missed critical warnings: Fire and Emergency NZ alerted Tauranga City Council at 5:48 a.m. about instability risks, yet no evacuation occurred. Questions rage about council responsibility, climate-driven extreme weather, and campsite safety in vulnerable zones. WorkSafe has launched an investigation into potential negligence, with calls for independent probes into “missed opportunities” to prevent the deaths.
Timeline of key developments:
Jan 22: Landslide hits; six missing, search-and-rescue begins (shifts to recovery phase quickly).
Jan 24: Police name victims publicly; human remains found.
Jan 27: First body recovered.
Jan 28: Coroner formally identifies Max Furse-Kee (on his would-be 16th birthday); body released to family.
Jan 29: Måns Loke Bernhardsson confirmed as second victim at Tauranga Moana District Court hearing; family statement: “Our hearts are broken… super kind and loveable… extremely talented artist, passionate about downhill skiing and gymnastics.” He had arrived just two days earlier.
Jan 30: Lisa Anne Maclennan formally identified (hailed as hero for saving lives); recovery operations enter day nine, slow due to unstable terrain and ongoing risks. Hopukiore/Mount Drury reopens cautiously.
Public and social media reaction has been overwhelming with grief, anger, and solidarity. On X (Twitter), hashtags like #MountMaunganuiLandslide, #Mauao, and #NZLandslide trend with tributes, victim photos, and demands for accountability (“Why no evacuation?”). Facebook groups in Tauranga and Auckland share vigils (over 1,000 attended at Coronation Park), Givealittle fundraisers surging with donations and heartfelt messages (“Hearts broken for the families”). TikTok and Instagram explode with emotional montages: slow-motion clips of the slip, victim memorials set to somber music, and clips of the “almighty cracking” sound witnesses described. Reddit’s r/newzealand threads debate council negligence, climate change links, and camping regulations, with thousands upvoting calls for change. Overall sentiment: profound sadness mixed with fury a
“Hearts are broken” – direct family quote on Måns.
Swedish backpacker: “Hastily booked trip” with friends, only 2 days in paradise turned nightmare.
Teens’ tragedy: Sharon and Max (couple, same school) – young love cut short.
Hero: Lisa Maclennan warned campers, potentially saving lives.
Birthday heartbreak: Max identified on his 16th birthday milestone.
Paradise to horror: “Slice of paradise” buried under debris.
Latest updates (as of January 30, 2026): Recovery continues slowly amid safety pauses for further slips; fourth victim Sharon Maccanico identified recently with parents in “unimaginable pain.” WorkSafe coordinates with police for full inquiry. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended tributes, emphasizing community support. Mauao rāhui (Māori restriction) remains; some areas reopen, but grief lingers. Funds and vigils grow as New Zealand unites in sorrow.
