New Zealand Ends Rescue Operation for Six Missing After Deadly Landslide
New Zealand authorities have officially ended rescue efforts for six people missing after a landslide struck a popular campsite, confirming that the operation has shifted to recovery efforts as hopes of finding survivors have faded.
Police said on Saturday that the conditions at the site made it clear the missing individuals could not be brought home alive. Formal identification procedures are now underway, with officials cautioning that the process will be complex and time-consuming.
Among the six unaccounted for are two teenagers, both aged 15, making the tragedy particularly devastating for families and the wider community.
Search teams discovered human remains beneath large volumes of mud and debris late Friday after the landslide hit the Mount Maunganui area, following days of heavy rainfall across the North Island.
Authorities described the scene as extremely dangerous and difficult to access, with unstable ground and ongoing weather risks complicating rescue efforts. Emergency crews worked through the night before the operation was formally transferred to police control on Saturday.
“This is heartbreaking news for the families and for everyone who worked tirelessly, hoping for a positive outcome,” police officials said, emphasizing that the safety of personnel on the ground remains the top priority.
In a separate but nearby incident, another landslide claimed the lives of a grandmother and her grandchild, further highlighting the scale of destruction caused by prolonged heavy rain in the region.
Weather conditions continue to pose challenges, with further rainfall forecast over the weekend. Authorities warned residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to slips and flooding.
Officials have released the names of the six missing individuals to assist with identification and to keep the public informed, while support services have been made available to affected families.
New Zealand’s prime minister visited the disaster site on Friday, praising the strong sense of community as locals came together to help clear debris and support those impacted by the disaster.
Mount Maunganui is both a culturally significant Māori site and a major tourist destination. The area has experienced multiple landslides in recent years, raising renewed concerns about safety during periods of extreme weather.
As recovery efforts continue, the tragedy has reignited calls for greater attention to land stability, climate resilience and emergency preparedness in vulnerable regions.
