NZ Herald Headlines | Six still missing in Mt Maunganui landslide, and south-east Australia heat wave | Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Video / NZ Herald, AFP, Getty Images
A Givealittle page has been launched for the grieving family of a “beautiful, kind and talented” teen missing after Thursday’s fatal landslip at a Mount Maunganui campground.
Sharon Maccanico, a 15-year-old Pakūranga College student, is one of six people unaccounted for following the slip.
In the days before the disaster,Sharon was on summer holiday with family and her friend, Max Furse-Kee, also 15 and a Pakūranga College student, who is among those missing.
The Givealittle page, launched by a friend of the Maccanico family, said the “beautiful, kind and talented” teen’s passing had left her parents heartbroken “beyond belief”.
“Sharon was the apple of her parent’s eye and having her taken so suddenly from them during these events has caused unimaginable pain and grief that no parent should have to endure,” it said.
“While nothing is ever going to make this right, we want to be able to provide practical support for them, so that they can take the time to grieve without the added pressure of worrying about finances.”
Auckland teens Sharon Maccanico and Max Furse-Kee attended Pakūranga College together. Photo / Max Furse-Kee
At 3pm, just over $1000 had been raised.
The page was created to support the teen’s parents and the funds raised could be used to assist in providing immediate and ongoing support for parents Carmine and Natalia, who the page said would not be in a position to work for a period of time.
“If you are able to donate, please do so. No donation is too small, and know that all donations are gratefully received and will help to make a practical difference to Carmine and Natalia as they work through their grief.”
Funds raised would help with funeral and living costs for the single-income, self-employed family during this “heart-wrenchingly” difficult time.
“Please keep Carmine and Natalia in your prayers and remember the beautiful soul of Sharon.”
Earlier this week Rebecca Gray, of RGD Studio in Auckland, told the Herald the past few days had been “heavy” for staff, as news of Maccanico being in the landslip spread through the studio and the wider dance community.
“There’s a lot of deep sadness across my studio and our dancers. Many knew her across the wider NZ dance community,” Gray said.
