Authorities in New Zealand have resumed a painstaking search for six individuals presumed killed in a catastrophic landslide at one of the country's most popular beach campsites, with officials warning the recovery operation is expected to take several days. The massive slip occurred at the Beachside Holiday Park, nestled at the foot of Mount Maunganui, as a severe summer storm battered the North Island last Thursday.
Dangerous Conditions Hamper Recovery Efforts
Work to locate the missing was suspended over the weekend due to concerns about ongoing ground instability, with recovery teams now operating in what authorities describe as extremely dangerous conditions. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson emphasised the challenging circumstances in a statement, noting that moisture remains the primary obstacle to progress.
"We're just holding out for the weather to improve because moisture is the enemy at this point," Anderson explained. "The ground is saturated and what we need is days of fine weather to enable our teams to work safely and effectively."
Victims and Timeline of the Tragedy
The six missing individuals, who ranged in age from 15 to 71, included both New Zealand residents and international visitors. They have been formally identified as:
- Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50
- Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, a Swedish tourist
- Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71
- Susan Doreen Knowles, 71
- Sharon Maccanico, 15, originally from Italy
- Max Furse-Kee, 15
The tragedy unfolded during New Zealand's peak summer holiday period at the picturesque beachside location, named after an extinct volcano. Initial hope emerged on Thursday when rescuers reported hearing voices beneath the rubble, but by Saturday authorities concluded that none of those missing had likely survived the disaster.
Record Rainfall and Wider Storm Impact
The landslide was triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall that swept across the North Island, with parts of the region recording unprecedented precipitation levels. The city of Tauranga, where Mount Maunganui is located, experienced its wettest 24-hour period since 1910 during the deluge.
Beyond the six missing at the campsite, the severe storm claimed three additional lives across the region. On Thursday, two people were killed when a separate landslide buried a house in nearby Papamoa. The previous day, a 47-year-old man from Kiribati was swept away by floodwaters while driving in New Zealand's far north, with his body recovered on Saturday.
Questions Emerge About Warning Systems
The unusually intense weather has prompted serious questions about whether adequate evacuation orders were issued prior to the campsite tragedy. The New Zealand Fire Service revealed on Monday that it had delivered a warning from a member of the public about a potential slip near the holiday park to the local Tauranga City Council four hours before the fatal landslide occurred.
The council, which serves as landowner of the site, has announced it will conduct an independent inquiry into the entire episode. This investigation will likely examine the chain of communication between emergency services, local authorities, and the public, as well as the adequacy of warning systems during extreme weather events.
Scene of Devastation
Images from the disaster site show vehicles, travel trailers, and an amenities block completely crushed by debris from the massive wave of mud that descended from the mountain. The Beachside Holiday Park, normally a tranquil coastal retreat, has been transformed into a scene of utter devastation by the geological event.
As recovery teams continue their hazardous work, the community remains in mourning while authorities emphasise that patience will be required as they navigate the challenging conditions to complete their sombre task.
