Story perspectives

Tragedy Strikes as Landslides Claim Lives in New Zealand

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A landslide in Welcome Bay, Papamoa, New Zealand, killed a grandmother and her 10-year-old grandson.
The victims were identified as a Chinese woman and her 10-year-old grandson who lived with three generations.
Six others are unaccounted for after a separate landslide at a Mount Maunganui campground, including two 15-year-old students and two Rotorua women, as rescuers search in heavy rain for the missing amid risk of further slips.

History

Historical Context

The 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, New Zealand's deadliest natural disaster, struck on February 3, killing 256 people and causing extensive damage, estimated at $900 million. This tragedy led to significant reforms in building codes and emergency response, culminating in the 1935 earthquake building code. The ongoing vulnerability to natural disasters, highlighted by recent landslides, underscores the importance of improved infrastructure and preparedness.

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Story summary

A landslide in Welcome Bay, Papamoa, New Zealand, killed a grandmother and her 10-year-old grandson.
The victims were identified as a Chinese woman and her 10-year-old grandson who lived with three generations.
Six others are unaccounted for after a separate landslide at a Mount Maunganui campground, including two 15-year-old students and two Rotorua women, as rescuers search in heavy rain for the missing amid risk of further slips.

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