#regional Mount Maunganui Landslide Search Moves Into Recovery Phase

The search for victims of Thursday’s devastating landslide at Mount Maunganui / Mauao has now officially moved into a recovery phase, as hopes of finding survivors have come to an end.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says the operation was formally handed over to Police by Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11:20 Saturday.

He says every person involved in the operation has been focused solely on saving lives, with search teams working painstakingly through the debris layer by layer. However, police have now accepted the heartbreaking reality that those still missing will not be brought home alive.

Superintendent Anderson says this is devastating news for the families and for the dozens of responders who have worked day and night in the hope of a positive outcome. Families were informed earlier today and are being provided with ongoing wrap-around support. He has asked the public to give them space and privacy as they grieve.

Police have now confirmed the names of the six people unaccounted for. They are:

• Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville

• Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden

• Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua

• Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotahā

• Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland

• Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland

Search teams have located human remains beneath the slip, and a formal identification process is now underway. Superintendent Anderson says police will not comment further on findings at this early stage, out of respect for the victims, their families, and the coronial process.

Crews continue to work through extremely difficult and unstable terrain, supported by contractors and heavy machinery. The focus is now on reaching the amenities block, which police say has suffered catastrophic damage. The sodden earth that slid from the mountain is heavy and compacted, making conditions exceptionally dangerous and challenging.

Superintendent Anderson says the welfare of all personnel working on the ground remains a priority, with support available for anyone who needs it.

Responsibility for identifying the victims has now passed to the Coroners Court, with an internationally recognised Disaster Victim Identification process in place.

Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton says she is deeply saddened by the loss of life and has reassured families that their loved ones will be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. Victims will be taken to the Hamilton mortuary, where post-mortem examinations will be carried out if required.

Judge Tutton says identification can be complex and time-consuming, particularly in disaster situations, but families will be reunited with their loved ones as carefully and as quickly as possible.

Mauao remains closed while recovery work continues.

Radio Waatea sends aroha to all whānau affected and will continue to bring updates as this recovery unfolds.

RELATED NEWS

Māori landowners lodge against the Government in the High Court Weather easing over much of Aotearoa – caution prevails Winston Peters | NZ Foreign Minister