Story perspectives

Tragedy Strikes: Six Missing After Beachside Landslide

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

A landslide at Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui 22 January 2026 left six people missing, including two teenagers.
The event followed record rainfall, with Tauranga recording 295 mm in over 30 hours.
Emergency services conduct a rescue, but unstable conditions hinder progress, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the situation as an absolute tragedy.
Authorities are investigating three individuals who may have left the campground before the landslide.

History

Historical Context

In January 1974, Cyclone Tonia unleashed over 300 mm of rain in New Zealand, causing severe flooding and landslides that resulted in significant infrastructure damage and loss of life. The recent landslide at Beachside Holiday Park, triggered by 295 mm of rainfall, highlights New Zealand's ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather events, prompting calls for improved safety protocols in high-risk areas.

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Story summary

A landslide at Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui 22 January 2026 left six people missing, including two teenagers.
The event followed record rainfall, with Tauranga recording 295 mm in over 30 hours.
Emergency services conduct a rescue, but unstable conditions hinder progress, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the situation as an absolute tragedy.
Authorities are investigating three individuals who may have left the campground before the landslide.

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