Police have released the names of the six people still unaccounted for following Thursday’s deadly landslide at Mount Maunganui, as search efforts transition into a recovery phase.
According to a report by 1News, those missing are Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha; Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland; and Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland.
Earlier, police confirmed the operation had moved to a “recovery phase” after human remains were found at the site last night, 1News has quoted.
Speaking to media on Saturday afternoon, Bay of Plenty Superintendent Tim Anderson said it was “highly unlikely” more than six people had died, as the three individuals police had previously sought information on had been located.
He said there were “really strict parameters around those that are working on site right now” because of unstable ground conditions.
“It rained last night, it's just rained before,” 1News has quoted.
Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton extended her condolences to the families and friends of the victims, confirming that human remains had been found and were now in the custody of the coroner.
The deceased would be transferred to the Hamilton mortuary, where they would remain until they could be reunited with their families.
“This is an unimaginably terrible time for those people who have lost the people they love here at the campground,” she said, 1News has quoted.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the nation had spent days hoping for a miracle.
“For three days since the landslide occurred, every New Zealander has been hoping for a miracle,” he said.
“Today it is devastating to receive the news we have all been dreading.”
“To the families who have lost loved ones - every New Zealander is grieving with you,” as reported by 1News.
Luxon also acknowledged those continuing to work at the site, including first responders.
“Our focus now is on the recovery and on supporting those who are grieving the loss of their beloved family member.”
Search efforts were disrupted earlier on Saturday following a further “partial” slip at the site.
Fire and Emergency NZ deputy national commander Megan Stiffler said the slip occurred at around 6pm on Friday in the northern sector.
“Personnel have not searched that area for their safety, but it is being continuously reassessed,” she said, 1News has reported.
Twenty-five Urban Search and Rescue personnel and an additional ten Fire and Emergency staff remain on site working closely with police.
“Today, there is more heavy rain forecast which may present challenges for our operations. USAR teams will be informed by experts when they need to withdraw from the slip area for their safety, and when it is safe for them to return.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of the people unaccounted for.”
Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to 1News that a Swedish national was “unaccounted for” following the landslide.
Earlier, Mayor Drysdale criticised attempts by members of the public to breach the safety cordon.
“We have had some idiotic behaviour, and there has been people trying to breach the cordon,” he said during an update at 11.25am.
“We please ask for the community to stay away, and we thank most of the community who have done the right thing and let the rescue workers go and do their job,” as quoted by 1News
He said the operation remained “very much a rescue” effort.
“The workers are working 24/7 trying to bring the unaccounted for people home to their families,” as quoted by 1News.
On Friday night, Drysdale and council chief executive Marty Grenfell announced an independent review into all aspects leading up to Thursday’s landslide.
“The landslide and its impacts on those affected and their families clearly represents a serious and significant incident of local, national and international importance,” Drysdale said, as reported by 1News.
“It is important that we have a clear and accurate understanding of the facts and events leading up to the landslide, so that we can ensure that the future safety of the community is appropriately safeguarded, as quoted by 1News.
The mayor said the review would not replace any other formal processes that may follow.
“It is important to note that while we work to stand up this review, our immediate focus remains on supporting the families affected and those responsible for the rescue operation,” 1News has quoted.
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