Full Breakdown
Mount Maunganui Landslide: Rescue Efforts and Community Response
1/27/2026, 8:52:59 PM
Overview of the Incident
On Thursday morning, a significant landslide occurred at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, burying several campers beneath rubble. The landslide struck around 9:30 AM, primarily affecting the campground's ablution block, where many campers were located at the time. Emergency services, including Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and Hato Hone St John, have been engaged in ongoing rescue efforts, which have now transitioned into a recovery operation focused on six missing individuals.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Reactions
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene following the landslide. Bill Baker, a camper, noted the shock and confusion as people rushed to assist those trapped. He recounted seeing individuals on the roof of the ablution block attempting to help others. Another camper, Carly Motley, reported hearing screams and witnessing extensive damage, including caravans being swept away by the landslide.
A local woman, Lisa Maclennan, has been hailed as a hero for her efforts to wake fellow campers early that morning, urging them to evacuate due to visible signs of instability in the hillside. Tragically, she is among those unaccounted for after the disaster.
Official Responses and Investigations
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale has acknowledged the distressing nature of the event and confirmed that a review of the incident is underway. He expressed sympathy for the families affected and stated that questions regarding the lack of an official evacuation order would be addressed. Some campers, like Karyn Henger, expressed anger over the absence of warnings from campground staff or local authorities, questioning why no evacuation was ordered despite the evident risks.
Drysdale confirmed that reports of small slips were noted as early as 5 AM, and while the mountain was closed to walkers later that morning, the campground remained open. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine if proper protocols were followed.
Community Support and Recovery Efforts
The mood at the scene has been described as somber, with community members and local iwi providing support to families and emergency workers. Rescue teams faced challenging conditions, including adverse weather, as they worked to locate the missing individuals. The recovery operation has been complicated by ongoing rain and wind, which have hampered efforts.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the number of individuals unaccounted for, with reports indicating that six people are believed buried, while others suggest there may be additional missing campers. The exact details surrounding the geological assessments conducted prior to the landslide remain unclear, raising further questions about the preparedness of emergency services.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I do feel angry about it, because there are people that are not going to come out alive, and we could have been among them as well,” — Karyn Henger, Camper
- “This is a deeply distressing event, and our priority right now is the safety and well-being of those involved.” — Mahé Drysdale, Tauranga Mayor
- “I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.” — Bill Baker, Eyewitness
The Mount Maunganui landslide has not only resulted in tragic loss but has also sparked a critical examination of emergency response protocols in the face of natural disasters. As recovery efforts continue, the community remains united in support of those affected.
