The search for six people missing after the catastrophic landslide at the Beachside Holiday Park has officially shifted to a recovery phase. Following days of torrential rain and unstable ground, New Zealand authorities have acknowledged that the mission is now focused on returning the victims to their families.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1. The Timeline of the Disaster
The landslide occurred on the morning of Thursday, January 22, 2026, when a rain-soaked hillside collapsed onto a popular camping area.
- Impact Zone: The debris buried campervans and a central amenities block.
- Total Toll: While nine people have died across the North Island due to this storm system, these six individuals remain the focus of the Mt Maunganui site.
- Current Date: As of January 26, the site remains extremely hazardous for search crews.
2. Why the Search is Taking Days
- Saturated Soil: The ground is essentially liquid mud, making it impossible to use heavy machinery without risking further slips.
- Precise Excavation: Crews are often forced to dig by hand or use small, light equipment to navigate the wreckage of tents and vans.
- Weather Delays: Intermittent rain continues to stall progress, as any new moisture increases the risk of the remaining hillside collapsing.
3. Investigation and Accountability
The tragedy has sparked a call for answers. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale has confirmed an independent review to investigate the following:
“The community deserves to know if earlier warning signs were missed and if the evacuation protocols for the holiday park were sufficient given the extreme weather warnings.”
The Victims
The victims represent a heartbreaking cross-section of the community, including local students from Pakūranga College, an international traveler from Sweden, and retirees.
