Mount Maunganui landslide rescue search continues with up to nine unaccounted for
Emergency services work through night
Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John and security are working through the night in Mount Maunganui.
Multiple people remain unaccounted for after a landslide destroyed parts of the campground.
Earlier, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said crews were still in a rescue phase but wouldn’t confirm if anyone had been found.
“The Fire and Emergency teams are working around the clock to achieve their aim tonight,” he said.
“There are at least three diggers working at the moment and all the usual agencies are working hard to do their best.”
22 January, 05:20 pm
Public cordons remain in place in Mount Maunganui
A new shift has started keeping public cordons in place this evening as rescue efforts continue in Mount Maunganui.
As many as nine people are thought missing after a massive landslide destroyed parts of the iconic campground this morning.
Families of the missing are believed to be waiting for updates in a gazebo closer to the scene.
Earlier, Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said crews are sifting through a “significant slip” which is still unstable.
“They’re having to be careful because we don’t want to have any other issues during the night,” he said.
“They’re going to be working 24/7 until they have searched every piece of earth.”
22 January, 04:48 pm
Labour leader Chris Hipkins pays tribute to those affected
Chris Hipkins says the recent extreme weather events “take a real toll”.
Two people are confirmed dead after a landslide in Pāpāmoa, another person is missing after being swept away in the Mahurangi River, and multiple people are feared unaccounted for after a landslide struck a campsite at Mount Maunganui.
In a Facebook post, Hipkins said his thoughts tonight were with all those who have been affected.
“My deepest sympathy goes to those who have lost loved ones or are still waiting for news, and to everyone who has been forced from their homes or injured,” he said.
“Events like these take a real toll, and no one should have to face them alone.”
The Labour leader said climate change meant we are seeing far more of these tragic events.
“I want to acknowledge the very real stress and strain this is placing on so many of our communities,” he said.
“My deepest thanks go to our first responders and to all those in the community who are stepping up to help. In times like these, we see the very best of us. Kia kaha, New Zealand. Stay strong. Stick together.”
22 January, 04:30 pm
Up to nine unaccounted for after landslide
The Herald understands from a source involved in the Mount Maunganui rescue efforts that as many as nine people are unaccounted for under the landslide.
Police earlier said the number “is in the single figures”.
Young people among those still unaccounted for at campground
22 January, 04:23 pm
Rainfall totals ‘on an entirely different scale’
Close to a month’s worth of rain fell in Tairāwhiti during the past 24 hours, according to the region’s Civil Defence.
“Here in town, around 47mm of rain fell, a significant downpour that many people will have felt. But further north, rainfall totals were on an entirely different scale,” it said.
A staggering 343mm was recorded at one location in Hicks Bay. Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said heavy rain was usually considered 10mm per hour.
“In the far north of Tairāwhiti, rain of that intensity fell hour after hour, building to hundreds of millimetres in just 24 hours closer to what we would normally expect over a month, not a day.
“When already saturated ground receives rainfall at this level, the water has nowhere to go. It moves quickly into streams and rivers, roads become flooded, slips are triggered, and infrastructure is under real strain.”
22 January, 03:41 pm
‘We stand with NZers’: Firefighters call off strike
The Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has cancelled its one-hour strike planned for midday tomorrow.
The union said today, and the following days, will be “extremely difficult” for many families and communities.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those reported as missing after a landslide hit the Mount Maunganui Holiday Park and a driver of a car was swept away north of Auckland.
“We stand with New Zealanders waiting for news as Urban Search and Rescue teams continue to work through the night.”
The NZPFU said while some areas were now in the clean-up phase, further rain is expected in some already-affected parts of the country and the risks of landslides also remained.
22 January, 03:30 pm
Luxon calls deadly weather ‘profound tragedy’
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the severe weather events that struck New Zealand over the past 24 hours are a “profound tragedy”.
Two people are confirmed dead after a landslide in Pāpāmoa, another person is missing after being swept away in the Mahurangi River, and multiple people are feared unaccounted for after a landslide struck a campsite at Mount Maunganui.
In a social media post, Luxon said his thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, and with those whose family members remain unaccounted for.
“These losses are deeply shattering, and New Zealand is heavy with grief,” he said.
“The rescue effort continues, and the Government stands with affected communities during this response, and we will continue to stand with them throughout the recovery ahead.
“Amid this tragedy, we have once again seen the very best of New Zealand. Emergency responders, local marae, the Defence Force, and many everyday Kiwis have put themselves in harm’s way to support their fellow New Zealanders. On behalf of the country, thank you.”
22 January, 03:22 pm
Mount Maunganui rescue crews to work through night
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said crews at the Mount Maunganui landslide were still in a rescue phase but wouldn’t confirm if anyone had been found.
“The Fire and Emergency teams are working around the clock to achieve their aim tonight,” he said.
“There are at least three diggers working at the moment and all the usual agencies are working hard to do their best.
“If the weather remains good like it is now, they will continue to work through the night.”
Anderson said police officers on site were dealing with both cordons and family members.
“The public had been respectful and dignified, and respected that the families were hurting at the moment.”
He said the fire service was regularly monitoring the area for signs of any other slips.
“It’s likely to go on through tomorrow and possibly the next day. The geo-tech experts are still assessing the safety of the mountain and I don’t expect it will be open any time soon.”
Anderson confirmed emergency services were working very closely with the local iwi and the Tauranga City Council.
22 January, 02:26 pm
Two dead after Welcome Bay landslide
Two people are dead after a house in Pāpāmoa was badly damaged by a landslide earlier today.
Police said the bodies were recovered from the Welcome Bay Road property this evening.
“Police are working to support their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” police said.
“The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.”
22 January, 02:15 pm
‘Unsettled’ next few days
Niwa says the forecast for the next few days is “unsettled” as low pressure sits east of the country.
This will bring gusty southwest winds, chilly temperatures and locally heavy showers and thunderstorms, it said.
