Story perspectives

Recovery Operation Begins After Landslide Claims Six Lives

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rescue efforts for six people buried by a landslide at a Mount Maunganui park shifted to a recovery operation on Saturday.
Police Superintendent Tim Anderson confirmed human remains were found.
Ground remains unstable.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed the nation's grief, saying the hope for a miracle had faded.
Forecasted thunderstorms threaten the recovery operation, and authorities face scrutiny for not evacuating after earlier landslip warnings.

1 of 1

Story summary

Rescue efforts for six people buried by a landslide at a Mount Maunganui park shifted to a recovery operation on Saturday.
Police Superintendent Tim Anderson confirmed human remains were found.
Ground remains unstable.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed the nation's grief, saying the hope for a miracle had faded.
Forecasted thunderstorms threaten the recovery operation, and authorities face scrutiny for not evacuating after earlier landslip warnings.