Archive · 25 Jan 2026
New Zealand Landslide Recovery Efforts Underway
A big landslide happened in New Zealand because of heavy rain.
Six people, including two teenagers, are missing and presumed dead.
Rescue workers are trying to find them, but another small landslide and more rain are making it hard.
The prime minister visited the families who are very sad.
In a nearby area, another landslide killed two people.
No one has been found alive since voices were heard right after the landslide.
Now, authorities are working to identify the victims.
A landslide in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, has left six people missing, including two teenagers.
Rescue efforts have ceased, and a recovery operation is underway, with human remains found overnight.
No signs of life have been detected since initial voices were heard by first responders.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the site to meet with affected families.
Another landslide in the nearby suburb of Papamoa killed two people this week.
- Who
- Six people, including two teenagers, are missing and presumed dead. Rescue workers and authorities, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, are involved in the recovery efforts.
- What
- A landslide occurred at a campground in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, New Zealand, triggered by heavy rains. Human remains have been found, and a recovery operation is underway.
- When
- The landslide happened on January 24, 2024, with ongoing recovery efforts as of January 25, 2024.
- Where
- The landslide occurred at a campground in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, on the North Island of New Zealand.
- Why
- Heavy rains triggered the landslide, causing soil and rubble to collapse at the site. Another landslide in the nearby suburb of Papamoa killed two people this week.
Rescue Efforts
Recovery Operation
Effort Focus
Rescue Efforts
Rescue workers initially focused on finding survivors and locating the missing individuals.
Recovery Operation
Authorities have shifted to a recovery operation, focusing on identifying victims and removing debris.
- Location
- Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, New Zealand
- Number of Missing
- 6
- Youngest Missing
- 15 years old
- Rescue Workers
- 35
- Cause
- Heavy rains
- Date of Landslide
- January 24, 2024
- Prime Minister's Visit
- Christopher Luxon
- Additional Fatalities
- 2 in Papamoa suburb
- Human Remains Found
- Yes, overnight
- Identification Process
- Underway by Chief Coroner's office
Sources
Safety fears hamper New Zealand rescue work after landslide
Survivors unlikely in New Zealand landslide, police say
New Zealand authorities working to identify landslide victims
New Zealand landslide: Search operations shift to recovery phase
New Zealand ends rescue operations after deadly landslide, 6 presumed dead