NZ Herald Headlines | Saturday, January 31, 2026.
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Specialist search teams have left the scene of Mount Maunganui’s devastating landslip following the completion of their work.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team was formally demobilised today as emergency operations in the area begin to wind down.
Assistant NationalCommander David Guard said the team had worked meticulously and tirelessly throughout the operation.
Floral tributes of remembrance left at The Mall, Pilot Bay. Photo / Michael Craig
“I would like to acknowledge our specialist Urban Search and Rescue team and other specialist staff who have assisted with operations,” he said.
“Our thoughts remain with the families who lost loved ones in this devastating event.
“I would also like to thank the community for their outpouring of support.
“Finally, I want to acknowledge our partnership with police. It was instrumental in our ability to achieve outcomes through our rescue phase and as we supported them in the DVI [Disaster Victim Identification] recovery phase.”
Police, Fire and Emergency services at Mount Maunganui campground. Photo / Jason Dorday
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said while the Urban Search and Rescue team left the scene earlier today, recovery work at Mount Maunganui remained ongoing.
“While some teams have started to depart, all the required safety measures and equipment remain in place, to ensure the safety of all the teams who continue to work at the scene,” he said.
The Mount Maunganui landslide occurred just before 9.30am on Thursday, January 22, when a large section of hillside came down from Mauao following Tauranga’s wettest day on record.
The slip flowed into the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, trapping six people beneath the debris.
Emergency services launched a major rescue and recovery operation, with police and Fire and Emergency working alongside specialist teams at the scene.
Those trapped by the landslide were Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50; Swedish tourist Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71; and teenagers Sharon Maccanico, 15, and Max Furse-Kee, 15.
