MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND — A large landslide ripped through a popular campground on New Zealand’s North Island amid torrential rains, leaving six people missing, including two teenagers, as emergency crews continue a high‑risk rescue operation. The disaster, which struck the Beachside Holiday Park at Mount Maunganui on the morning of 22 January 2026, has drawn national grief, complex search efforts and urgent calls for caution amid unstable terrain.
Landslide Strikes Holiday Park Amid Record Rainfall
Shortly before 9:30 a.m. local time on Thursday, saturated soil gave way on a hillside above the Beachside Holiday Park at Mount Maunganui — a major summer holiday destination in the Bay of Plenty region. The landslide smashed into tents, campervans, vehicles and ablution blocks near the Mount Hot Pools, leaving debris strewn across the site and trapping people beneath the earth and rubble.
The extreme rainfall that preceded the event has soaked much of the North Island, with authorities warning that record‑breaking downpours and widespread flooding contributed to multiple landslides — not just at the campground but in neighbouring areas as well. Roads remained closed in several districts due to ongoing risk and damage to infrastructure.
Young People Among Those Unaccounted For
Police have confirmed that six people remain unaccounted for after the landslide, and among them are two teenagers — the youngest reported to be 15 years old. Police District Commander Tim Anderson emphasised that rescuers were treating the situation as an active rescue operation and not yet advancing to recovery status, even as conditions make progress slow and hazardous. ([turn0search9][turn0search11])
Authorities are also seeking to clarify the whereabouts of three additional individuals believed to have been at or near the site, including potential international tourists who may have departed the area without contacting officials. Until their locations are confirmed, however, police consider those individuals part of the total group under investigation.
Despite desperate hopes of finding survivors, no signs of life have been detected under the debris as of Friday, leading officials and rescuers to proceed cautiously in a situation that remains precarious.
High‑Risk Rescue in Unstable Terrain
Emergency services, including Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), police Urban Search and Rescue teams, specialist contractors, excavators and police dogs have been involved in the hard‑pressed operation. The site has been described by responders as complex and high‑risk, with unstable ground requiring teams to remove debris inch by inch to avoid triggering further slips.
Authorities have warned that rescue efforts could take days due to the sheer scale of earth displaced by the slide, continued rain, and the need to safeguard responders. Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said specialist crews were working deeply into Thursday night and into Friday, attempting to locate anyone trapped while also ensuring rescuers’ safety.
Local residents have watched sombrely as crews dig through the shattered landscape, with cordons in place around the affected area to maintain clear access for emergency vehicles and reduce risk to civilians. One long‑time local described the scene as “eerie and sombre,” with few bystanders aside from search personnel.
National Response and Government Support
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited Mount Maunganui on Friday, meeting with families impacted by the tragedy and pledging support from central government as rescue efforts continue. Luxon described the situation as an “absolute tragedy” and emphasised the emotional toll on the community and the families of those missing. He assured that government aid and welfare support would be provided to help affected families and local services.
The scale of the event has prompted comparisons between this and other severe weather impacts nationwide, with emergency management officials warning residents in nearby regions to remain vigilant as rainfall continues to threaten stability. Local states of emergency remain in place across parts of the North Island due to extensive flooding and landslide risks.
Other Consequences of Severe Weather
The Mount Maunganui landslide was not the only disaster caused by the heavy rainfall that day. A separate landslide in the nearby suburb of Papamoa destroyed a house, killing two people, one of whom was confirmed by the Chinese ambassador as a Chinese national affected by the event. These back‑to‑back incidents underscore the widespread impact of the storm system on the region.
Civil defence officials have cautioned against crossing landslide debris to fetch emergency supplies, as continuing instability poses a risk of further ground movement. Residents are being urged to rely on official aid hubs and not to venture into compromised terrain.
Families Await News, Community Holds Vigil
As the rescue operation stretches into another day, families of the missing — including the teenagers — are holding vigil and waiting for any news. Police and emergency services have set up hotlines and support services to assist relatives seeking information. Community members from Mount Maunganui and beyond have expressed solidarity with those affected, sharing messages of support and hope.
Local towns and holidaymakers have been reminded of the unpredictability of extreme weather and the importance of adhering to safety advisories during severe events. The Mount Maunganui incident has reinforced how swiftly conditions can turn dangerous, especially in areas prone to soil instability and heavy rainfall.
Outlook for Rescue Efforts
Officials remain cautious in their statements but insist that every possible avenue is being pursued in the search for those missing. Police say that decisions about when to transition from rescue to recovery efforts will be made day by day based on conditions, available information and safety considerations. While the risk of further slips persists, the commitment from rescuers — and the hopes of families — continue to drive the operation forward.
As the situation develops, New Zealand’s emergency services, government and communities prepare for what may be a prolonged and emotionally draining response to one of the most severe landslide events in recent memory — and one that has left families and the nation anxiously awaiting answers.
