January 26, 2026

Ngāi Te Rangi Chairs Issue Statement of Aroha Following Mauao and Pāpāmoa Landslides

Matthew Tukaki Posted On January 26, 2026

Ngāi Te Rangi has issued a heartfelt statement of aroha and solidarity in the wake of the devastating landslides at Mauao and Pāpāmoa, acknowledging the deep loss experienced by whānau and the wider Tauranga Moana community.

In their message, Ngāi Te Rangi Chairs Charlie Tawhiao and Maru Samuels say their hearts are with the whānau who have lost loved ones, and with those still waiting to be reunited with them.

They acknowledge the profound mamae and grief being carried at this time and say Ngāi Te Rangi continues to hold affected whānau in their thoughts and karakia, recognising that healing must be allowed to unfold in its own time.

The Chairs also expressed their gratitude to those involved in the recovery effort, including Mauao Kaitiaki, New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the National Emergency Management Agency, and all emergency response teams working on the ground.

They say the mahi being carried out is being done with dignity, care, and professionalism, and they have asked the wider community to support those efforts by giving responders the space they need to continue their important work.

“At this time,” the statement says, “our collective whakaaro remains with the whānau – allowing space for grief, for waiting, and for healing.”

Ngāi Te Rangi has signalled that while there will be time for further kōrero in the future, today is about holding whānau close and honouring those who have been lost.

The statement closes with a whakataukī acknowledging collective mourning and remembrance:

“Waihō ake mātou i muri nei, te tangihia i ngā mate o te wā.”

The Chairs reaffirm Ngāi Te Rangi’s commitment to standing with whānau and community during this time of loss, saying their thoughts remain firmly with those affected as the recovery continues.

Waatea extends its aroha to all whānau impacted by these events.