Mount Maunganui landslide rescue search continues with up to nine unaccounted for
Emergency services work through night
Scott Palmer
Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John and security are working through the night in Mount Maunganui.
Multiple people remain unaccounted for after a landslide destroyed parts of the campground.
Earlier, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said crews were still in a rescue phase but wouldn’t confirm if anyone had been found.
“The Fire and Emergency teams are working around the clock to achieve their aim tonight,” he said.
“There are at least three diggers working at the moment and all the usual agencies are working hard to do their best."
Public cordons remain in place in Mount Maunganui
Scott Palmer
A new shift has started keeping public cordons in place this evening as rescue efforts continue in Mount Maunganui.
As many as nine people are thought missing after a massive landslide destroyed parts of the iconic campground this morning.
Families of the missing are believed to be waiting for updates in a gazebo closer to the scene.
Earlier, Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said crews are sifting through a “significant slip” which is still unstable.
“They’re having to be careful because we don’t want to have any other issues during the night," he said.
“They’re going to be working 24/7 until they have searched every piece of earth.”
Labour leader Chris Hipkins pays tribute to those affected
Scott Palmer
Chris Hipkins says the recent extreme weather events “take a real toll”.
Two people are confirmed dead after a landslide in Pāpāmoa, another person is missing after being swept away in the Mahurangi River, and multiple people are feared unaccounted for after a landslide struck a campsite at Mount Maunganui.
In a Facebook post, Hipkins said his thoughts tonight were with all those who have been affected.
“My deepest sympathy goes to those who have lost loved ones or are still waiting for news, and to everyone who has been forced from their homes or injured,” he said.
“Events like these take a real toll, and no one should have to face them alone.”
The Labour leader said climate change meant we are seeing far more of these tragic events.
“I want to acknowledge the very real stress and strain this is placing on so many of our communities,” he said.
“My deepest thanks go to our first responders and to all those in the community who are stepping up to help. In times like these, we see the very best of us. Kia kaha, New Zealand. Stay strong. Stick together.”
Up to nine unaccounted for after landslide
Scott Palmer
The Herald understands from a source involved in the Mount Maunganui rescue efforts that as many as nine people are unaccounted for under the landslide.
Police earlier said the number "is in the single figures".
Rainfall totals 'on an entirely different scale'
Scott Palmer
Close to a month’s worth of rain fell in Tairāwhiti during the past 24 hours, according to the region’s Civil Defence.
"Here in town, around 47mm of rain fell, a significant downpour that many people will have felt. But further north, rainfall totals were on an entirely different scale," it said.
A staggering 343mm was recorded at one location in Hicks Bay. Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said heavy rain was usually considered 10mm per hour.
“In the far north of Tairāwhiti, rain of that intensity fell hour after hour, building to hundreds of millimetres in just 24 hours closer to what we would normally expect over a month, not a day.
“When already saturated ground receives rainfall at this level, the water has nowhere to go. It moves quickly into streams and rivers, roads become flooded, slips are triggered, and infrastructure is under real strain.”
'We stand with NZers': Firefighters call off strike
Scott Palmer
The Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has cancelled its one-hour strike planned for midday tomorrow.
The union said today, and the following days, will be “extremely difficult” for many families and communities.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those reported as missing after a landslide hit the Mount Maunganui Holiday Park and a driver of a car was swept away north of Auckland.
“We stand with New Zealanders waiting for news as Urban Search and Rescue teams continue to work through the night.”
The NZPFU said while some areas were now in the clean-up phase, further rain is expected in some already-affected parts of the country and the risks of landslides also remained.
Luxon calls deadly weather 'profound tragedy'
Scott Palmer
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the severe weather events that struck New Zealand over the past 24 hours are a "profound tragedy".
Two people are confirmed dead after a landslide in Pāpāmoa, another person is missing after being swept away in the Mahurangi River, and multiple people are feared unaccounted for after a landslide struck a campsite at Mount Maunganui.
In a social media post, Luxon said his thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, and with those whose family members remain unaccounted for.
"These losses are deeply shattering, and New Zealand is heavy with grief," he said.
"The rescue effort continues, and the Government stands with affected communities during this response, and we will continue to stand with them throughout the recovery ahead.
"Amid this tragedy, we have once again seen the very best of New Zealand. Emergency responders, local marae, the Defence Force, and many everyday Kiwis have put themselves in harm’s way to support their fellow New Zealanders. On behalf of the country, thank you."
Mount Maunganui rescue crews to work through night
Scott Palmer
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said crews at the Mount Maunganui landslide were still in a rescue phase but wouldn’t confirm if anyone had been found.
“The Fire and Emergency teams are working around the clock to achieve their aim tonight,” he said.
“There are at least three diggers working at the moment and all the usual agencies are working hard to do their best.
“If the weather remains good like it is now, they will continue to work through the night.”
Anderson said police officers on site were dealing with both cordons and family members.
“The public had been respectful and dignified, and respected that the families were hurting at the moment.”
He said the fire service was regularly monitoring the area for signs of any other slips.
“It’s likely to go on through tomorrow and possibly the next day. The geo-tech experts are still assessing the safety of the mountain and I don’t expect it will be open any time soon.”
Anderson confirmed emergency services were working very closely with the local iwi and the Tauranga City Council.
Two dead after Welcome Bay landslide
Scott Palmer
Two people are dead after a house in Pāpāmoa was badly damaged by a landslide earlier today.
Police said the bodies were recovered from the Welcome Bay Road property this evening.
"Police are working to support their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time," police said.
"The deaths have been referred to the Coroner."
'Unsettled' next few days
Scott Palmer
Niwa says the forecast for the next few days is "unsettled" as low pressure sits east of the country.
This will bring gusty southwest winds, chilly temperatures and locally heavy showers and thunderstorms, it said.
'Pretty harrowing situation' - Mahé Drysdale
Scott Palmer
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale described today as “pretty tough and emotional”.
“We have several people unaccounted for from that event,” he said.
“We have a big team behind us led by Fire and Emergency, Land Urban Search and Rescue, doing a lot of the work to rescue and bring home those who are unaccounted for.”
Drysdale said crews are sifting through a “significant slip” which was still quite unstable.
“They’re having to be careful because we don’t want to have any other issues during the night.
“They’re going to be working 24/7 until they have searched every piece of earth.”
The Tauranga mayor said officials had spent most of the day supporting the loved ones of those who are unaccounted for.
“That’s pretty emotional and a pretty harrowing situation for those loved ones not knowing what is happening,” he said.
“We have tried to update them as much as we can as to the situation and right now there is a rescue situation going on and we’re very hopeful of a good outcome.”
Drysdale said questions about why the campground wasn't closed would be looked at in the future, but right now, the focus was on the loved ones of the missing.
Thames-Coromandel District Council warns of partial landslip
Scott Palmer
The Thames-Coromandel District Council has warned Whitianga of a partial landslip that might affect locals.
"The slip is located above the Taputapuatea Stream (Mother Brown’s), about 200m from Alf Simpson Drive," the council posted.
"The landslip is unlikely to fall directly onto these properties and there is no immediate threat to life, but residents of Alf Simpson Drive and other surrounding areas need to be aware of a potential risk of flooding, should the landslip subside any further and block the stream."
The council urged locals to listen to any unusual sounds.
"Have an escape plan in place. Have a Grab Bag and any pets ready to go."
Auckland Mayor offers support to Tauranga
Scott Palmer
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has offered support to Tauranga after experiencing similar tragedy three years ago during Cyclone Gabrielle.
“I’m saddened to see how bad Tauranga has been hit by this weather.
“I’ve reached out to Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale and offered help, connecting our AEM team with theirs.
“We know how bad it is when it’s bad, and how helpful it is to have support.”
Residents facing weeks of isolation by massive Helena Bay slip, flooding
Scott Palmer
Residents in Northland’s Ōakura, hit by flooding for the second time in less than a week, are contemplating leaving the area as they clean up again.
The coastal area northeast of Whangārei was badly hit by flooding and slips from Sunday’s deluge, then again by flooding on Wednesday.
Hundreds of people in Ōakura, Teal Bay, Bland Bay, Mōkau, Ngaiotonga and Whangaruru are now effectively cut off, thanks to a giant slip on Russell Rd at Helena Bay, which brought down pine trees, dirt and a boulder estimated to be 100 tonnes.
READ MORE HERE:
Slip found on Mauao: Public warned to stay away
Scott Palmer
The Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service has issued a warning to the public:
"Following the heavy rain last evening, a water-induced slip has been identified on Mauao, in the area behind our club.
"As a result, the club has been evacuated and new cordons are in place.
"No one is to go anywhere near the club and Mauao until further notice."
Ngāi Te Rangi iwi sends prayers after Mount Maunganui slip
Scott Palmer
Tauranga Moana iwi Ngāi Te Rangi has sent its heartfelt prayers and thoughts to those who are missing in the Mount Maunganui campground tragedy.
Deputy chief executive Roimata Ah Sam said "Koro Mauao" (Grandfather Mauao) is a deeply sacred taonga (treasure) and the news today was heartbreaking.
"We hope everybody will be found alive and well."
She also wanted to acknowledge all emergency services and noted that the iwi is staying out of their way for now to allow them to do their job, while encouraging the community to do the same.
"Everybody should be immensely proud of the Fire Service, police and the Civil Defence.”
However, Ah Sam said Ngāi Te Rangi looked forward to a thorough investigation about the slip.
"There has been a lot of work done on Mauao. So, we look forward to a thorough investigation into why this occurred. And we look forward to working alongside authorities to rebuild our maunga."
Cooler but drier weekend forecast
Scott Palmer
Storm-affected regions in the North Island can expect some respite this weekend as drier conditions are forecast.
However, MetService meteorologist John Law told the Herald strong southwest winds and showers will still hit some places.
READ MORE HERE:
Christopher Luxon to skip Rātana
Scott Palmer
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will miss the annual Rātana celebrations tomorrow and instead travel to the East Coast.
Extreme weather has caused destruction across much of the upper North Island, including massive landslides and severe flooding.
Several people are unaccounted for after a landslide crumbled on to a Mount Maunganui campground.
READ MORE HERE:
11 out of 34 roads closed in Tairāwhiti now open
James Wheeler
Tairāwhiti Civil Defence says out of 34 local road closures, 11 have now reopened, with 21 still closed.
As floodwaters continue to recede, it says it is confident more will reopen.
NZTA update on Bay of Plenty roads affected by rain
James Wheeler
SH2 Katikati to Waihī: Scheduled to reopen by 10pm tonight. Please take care when travelling through.
SH2 Kaikokopu bridge at Maniatutu: Single lane open with traffic management and reduced speed in place. Monitoring continues during tide changes.
SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link: Single lane in both directions scheduled to open by 5.30pm with a temporary 30 km/h speed limit in place.
Surface flooding is still present so please take care when travelling through.
The road will be reassessed in the morning.
'Complex and high-risk': Crews to work through night at landslip sites
James Wheeler
Fire and Emergency Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s specialist Urban Search and Rescue (Usar) team, alongside police, is continuing the search for persons unaccounted for at the Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay landslips.
"We were alerted to the landslide at Welcome Bay at 4.50am this morning and to the landslide impacting a campground in Mount Maunganui at 9.31am."
Usar teams provide specialist search, rescue, and technical assessment capability and are trained to operate in unstable ground, structural collapse and complex rescue environments.
Expert operators from Fire and Emergency and police have narrowed down the area of operation.
Stiffler said Usar is currently carefully removing layers of debris, and heavy machinery is on site to assist.
"This is a complex and high-risk environment, and our teams are working to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping everyone safe.
The teams will be operating overnight until the search is complete. Their highest priority is in the Bay of Plenty operations.
"I'd like to acknowledge the families impacted by what's happened. All our thoughts are with them tonight."
From 1am Tuesday to 4pm today, Fire and Emergency crews have responded to 305 weather-related call-outs from Northland to Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti.
Stiffler said police are demobilising our specialist water rescue teams from across the North Island, where they were pre-positioned to support isolated communities before the forecast severe weather.
"We ask people to avoid the Mount to allow emergency services to have the space to work safely.
"There is still a high risk from further landslides in the weather-affected areas. If you or anybody else is in a life-threatening situation, please call 111."
Luxon: Government doing everything we can
James Wheeler
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon: "This afternoon, I've spoken with the mayors of Gisborne, Tauranga, Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Whangārei and the Deputy Mayor of the Far North about the dangerous weather in their regions. Right now, the Government is doing everything we can to support those impacted.
"We are standing with these local communities in the response – and we will stand with them in the recovery too.
"Once again, my thanks go out to emergency responders, local marae, the Defence Force and all those putting themselves in harm’s way to help their fellow Kiwis."
'Run, run, get out, everyone': Witnesses recall running for their lives
James Wheeler
Bruce Cortesi and Olly Collier were in the Mount Hot Pools when the slip hit.
Collier saw it first. He looked up and said to Cortesi, "Look how the trees are moving".
Cortesi looked up and said: "Run, run, get out, everyone."
He said everyone began running, and they looked back and saw a "big caravan" had come crashing down into the large swimming pool.
They said some people escaping the pools had "dirt on their faces".
He said while the landslide looked like it was moving slowly, it came down in "seconds".
They thought if anyone had been in the children's pool or the spa pools, they would have been "gone".
The pair estimated there may have been 20-25 people in the pools at the time.
State Highway 35 update
James Wheeler
An update from NZTA:
State Highway 35 from Gisborne to Tikitiki has just reopened, as at 5pm.
Multiple traffic management crews have been deployed to safely reopen the road.
A number of active sites are under stop/go temporary traffic management and temporary speed limits.
Further north, SH35 between Tikitiki and Pōtaka remains closed.
There are multiple slips over and under the road and part of the Mangawira Stream Bridge south of Te Araroa has been washed away.
At this stage, we do not have a timeframe for opening this section of SH35.
Crews are continuing to clean up slips and debris and technical experts will continue assessments tomorrow.
State Highway 2 north of Gisborne, between Ormond and Ōpōtiki, remains closed.
Crews are also working to clear surface flooding and get that section of road reopened as quickly as possible.
Further south, SH2 between Gisborne and Napier remains open and SH5 Napier-Taupō Road has reopened this evening following a serious crash earlier.
Minister speaks as 'heroic' efforts continue at Mount
James Wheeler
Mark Mitchell told Newstalk ZB's Ryan Bridge geoscientists were concerned another part of Mount Maunganui may slip.
"They're concerned about the surf club, so it's a precautionary evacuation," he said.
"We were there with all the families and we have moved them to different locations."
Mitchell wouldn't reveal how many family members have been affected.
"Police are still working through a process about who was in the campground, who is missing, so I don't want to get into numbers.
"It's terrible," Mitchell said of how the families were feeling.
"Your loved ones, when you don't know where they are and the stress and anxiety of waiting around.
"They get an enormous amount of support; everyone is trying to share that burden with them."
He praised the first responders, saying they are doing "a fantastic job".
"Over the past 24 hours, there have definitely been some heroic people, members of the public, first responders, police and firefighters."
'She was a hero': Woman trapped under Mount Maunganui landslide was trying to warn others of danger
James Wheeler
One of those trapped under the debris-covered ablution block at the Mount Maunganui campground was trying to warn others of the imminent danger when the landslide hit.
A woman whose campervan was crushed but managed to escape praised the person who raised the alarm.
“I just want you to know that one of the women that’s in that shower block, she was a hero,” the woman, who didn’t want to be named, told the Herald.
Read more from the Herald's Michael Morrah here:
No one unaccounted for in Gisborne Tairāwhiti region
James Wheeler
Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) group manager Ben Green told Local Democracy Reporting CDEM understood there was no one unaccounted for in the Gisborne Tairāwhiti region.
Dog teams move in as rescue efforts continue at Mount Maunganui campground
James Wheeler
Auckland storms sparked 198 emergency call-outs: Wayne Brown
James Wheeler
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says while the city held up well overall, the weather still left its mark.
"We received 198 call-outs, including 140 in the past 24 hours, for surface flooding, downed trees, and landslips across the region.
"Our partner agencies also saw an impact with 38 calls to Fenz [Fire and Emergency New Zealand] and there were 18 roading closures. Our crews are out in force today, clearing debris and tidying up our roads and parks.
"Please be patient and give them the space they need to work safely. My thoughts are today with the family of the man who went missing in the Mahurangi River. I want to thank the teams who searched for him in that weather, and who are continuing the search today."
Mount Surf Club evacuated
James Wheeler
The Mount Surf Club has been evacuated.
A police officer told media there were concerns about further slips.
The building, which sits at the base of Mauao, has been used as an evacuation point for holidaymakers displaced from the campground.
As the Mount Surf Club was being evacuated, Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell spoke to media and said the situation is still being treated as a rescue operation.
Mayor says flooding damage 'pretty horrific' as Waihī Beach cut off
James Wheeler
Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor James Denyer said the district had a number of slips and trees down last night, and some roads remained closed.
He said some of the closures were because of a lot of surface water and Waihī Beach remained isolated with SH2 Katikati to Waihī closed between Old Tauranga Rd and Athenree Rd, and Steele Rd from the south, with no detour available until flooding receded.
Denyer said what was happening in Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay was "pretty horrific", and he was getting regular updates from Fire and Emergency and the police.
Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford said the events were "heartbreaking" for the local community.
"This is our home, this is our community, and this is terribly upsetting and very challenging for lots of people.
"I want to put on record that our first responders run toward danger daily, and they do amazing work in our district.
"As a community, we need to stay strong and look out for one another, and by backing each other, we can get through this together."
James Wheeler
Footage from an Air Ruatōria plane shows intense flooding in Pukeamaru, East Cape:
James Wheeler
Emergency services praised for response to Bay of Plenty slips
James Wheeler
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson has commended the bravery of emergency services responding to events, described as "one-in-100-years events" in the region.
"We have already seen countless examples over the last 24 hours of police staff putting their lives at risk to protect members of the public through evacuations.
"A number of additional staff were rostered to work overnight to assist with evacuations and our emergency response.
"This community is a very tight-knit community, and now more than ever, we need to band together to support one another."
Anderson said police are offering support to residents impacted by the weather and will continue to provide necessary support for the community.
Police have encouraged people to contact anyone they know in Bay of Plenty to make sure they are safe and well.
Storm sinks Bay Bonanza fishing tournament but $80k prizes still on offer
James Wheeler
While Gisborne city got off lightly from the storm that hammered the East Coast, a major annual fishing event was a casualty.
The 42nd Bay Bonanza fishing tournament, which attracts a large number of anglers and boats, has been cancelled.
The tournament, with a prize pool of $80,000, including a $40,000 lucky angler draw, was to run from January 23-25.
Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club announced at around 3.30pm today “due to state of emergency and sea conditions, we are cancelling the fishing of the Bay Bonanza ... good news, all prizes will still be given away with happy hours and bands on Saturday and Sundays”.
Search efforts continue to rescue people trapped under rubble in Bay of Plenty
James Wheeler
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said rescue operations are running concurrently at Mt Maunganui and Welcome Bay Rd.
PPolice, alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand, are working to locate and rescue people trapped in a landslide that came down off Mount Maunganui at 9.30am today," Anderson said.
"Work is also continuing to locate two people that are unaccounted for after a slip came down towards properties on Welcome Bay Rd overnight."
Police have urged the public to avoid Mount Maunganui to allow emergency services to work safely, while members of the campsite have been evacuated and directed to the local surf club.
People have also been advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary, as a number of roads remain closed around Bay of Plenty.
James Wheeler
The Red Cross disaster support vehicle has arrived in Mount Maunganui.
Update on roads around Coromandel Peninsula
James Wheeler
- SH25A Kōpū to Hikuai and SH25 Hikuai to Tairua: open with speed restrictions in place and single lane at Hikuai Bridge.
- SH25 Whiritoa to Waihī : Open. Whangamatā to Whiritoa still closed due to large slip.
Road closed in Matamata-Piako:
- SH27 Waharoa to Matamata: due to falling trees, closed near Wardville Road and closed between Waharoa and Matamata.
Mother's night on creaking roof with kids as floodwaters tore through East Coast home
James Wheeler
A mother has described her traumatic experience of being trapped with her children on a roof of their creaking home, desperate to be rescued from rising floodwaters.
Huia Ngatai climbed on to the roof of her Te Araroa home as floodwaters overwhelmed their property during the weather bomb that hammered the East Coast on Wednesday night and into the early hours of Thursday morning.
At about 2am, the water was at a level near the bridge at the edge of the property that "didn’t feel right", despite never having had flooding issues before, she said.
"We [Ngatai and her partner] went home and woke our kids, planning to put them into the truck as a precaution.
"Within about five minutes of doing that, we saw our vehicles start floating down the driveway."
Read more below:
'The house is just flat': Family evacuate after landslide hits neighbouring homes
James Wheeler
A rural Pāpāmoa resident has described “climbing through the mud” to find his neighbour’s house had been flattened by a landslide.
Lindsay Putt told the Bay of Plenty Times no one was at home when a landslide hit his neighbour’s Welcome Bay Rd house early this morning.
He understood the house next to his neighbour’s was the one where two are feared missing.
It is one of a series of life-threatening landslides that hit Tauranga and the surrounding Western Bay of Plenty District after its wettest 24 hours of rain on record.
People are missing in Mount Maunganui this morning after a slip from Mauao went through the campground and hot pools at the base of the mountain.
Read more below:
James Wheeler
Video showing the landslide that has destroyed part of a Mount Maunganui campsite.
Missing man swept away after pushing young nephew towards life-saving branch
James Wheeler
A man who went missing after being swept away on the Mahurangi River, north of Auckland, was a migrant worker from Kiribati.
His wife is hopeful that he will survive with his strength, wisdom and familiarity with the water.
She said her husband, 47, was a fisherman back home in Kiribati. They had moved to New Zealand in 2023 with their four children.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said her husband and her nephew – who had just moved to New Zealand in December – were taking their usual route to work in Warkworth early morning when they were swept away by water on Falls Rd.
The woman said both her husband and her nephew had fallen into the water with the vehicle, and her husband had pushed her nephew so that the young man could grab on to a branch, but did not manage to get back to land himself.
Read more below:
'Worst he's seen in 30 years': Coromandel roads hammered by heavy rain
James Wheeler
Some parts of the Coromandel remain isolated and partially inundated after heavy rain ravaged the region’s eastern coastline.
Thames-Coromandel Deputy Mayor John Grant said the district council will speak with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) about how it can improve resilience in the Coromandel roading network, as contractors work to reopen key access routes as quickly as possible.
“One fireman that I spoke to this morning said it’s the worst he’s seen in 30 years, and exceeded what they had seen in [Cyclone] Gabrielle,” he told the Herald.
- Read more from Tom Rose & Tom Eley below:
Police pause search for man washed away in Auckland river
Vera Alves
Police have announced they are winding down their presence near the Mahurangi River for the day, citing high water levels.
Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie said while the water level in the river dropped about 1m today, conditions were still not suitable for further searching.
"Unfortunately, the man and his vehicle have yet to be located and remain missing," Fowlie said.
"Police will continue to monitor water levels moving into Friday, and we will reassess search efforts tomorrow.
"At 7.41am yesterday, police were advised a man had been swept away in his car along the Warkworth river.
"Police Search and Rescue have been in the area this afternoon and have deployed drones to carry out aerial searches."
'It's heartbreaking': Mark Mitchell confirms young people among the missing in landslide
Vera Alves
Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed that "young people" are among those unaccounted for in the landslide in Mount Maunganui. He said it's a "heartbreaking" situation for parents who are at the surf club waiting for news.
Hauraki Mayor provides update on Coromandel road conditions
Vera Alves
Hauraki District Council Mayor Toby Adams has posted an update on road and flood conditions.
Adams said water levels are starting to recede, but plenty of work is needed to move debris including near the Karangahake Gorge, which is not open yet.
Criterion Bridge gates remain closed as does the Waihī to Whangamatā road, because of a large slip north of Whiritoa.
The Waihī–Whiritoa Rd is open to one lane and locals have been advised to avoid the Gilmour Lake Reserve area including the public toilets because of flooding, slips and washaways.
Photos reveal scale of storm damage
Vera Alves
Witness describes rushing to help as he heard cries of help after landslide
Vera Alves
"Help us, help us, get us out of here."
Those were the words Mark Tangney heard when he rushed to help people trapped in a toilet block after the landslide at Mount Maunganui.
Tangney, who’s from Whakatāne but works in the area, said he was heading to the Mount for a hike when he saw people running from the campground this morning.
"I could just hear people screaming, so I just parked up and ran to help.
"I was one of the first there. There were six or eight other guys there on the roof of the toilet block with tools just trying to take the roof off because we could hear people screaming 'help us, help us, get us out of here'.
Tangney said they "went hard for about half an hour and after 15 minutes, the people that were trapped, we couldn’t hear them anymore".
They "just kept going" but after about 30 minutes, the police told them to get off and they were "called off the rescue" as it "was too dangerous".
Tangney said it looked like the mud had pushed about six caravans and the toilet block itself was completely twisted and turned around, probably about 20m from where it was.
He believed there were under the caravan as well.
"We could hear the people underneath screaming for help, so I just wanted to help until the rescue crew got there."
He said he’s a little shaken from what happened, but was "doing okay".
Te Araroa locals helping out where they can
Vera Alves
The Te Araroa-based Kai Kart Takeaway's & Cafe is staying open today after heavy rain devastated the township.
Employee Michael Martin said a lot of locals were getting around on horses and four-wheel drive vehicles to help out where they could and get debris off the roads.
"Myself and my bosses decided we are going to open for five, six hours today just so road workers, locals and stuff, if they are hungry and don't have food they can come in to eat," he said.
"While the Kai Kart is doing that, across the road the Four Square is helping out Civil Defence with food packages and stuff like that."
He said the road from the town centre to Hicks Bay had been flooded and Waione Rd had been "covered in big rocks, dirt, mud, everything".
"It is hard at the moment, but everyone in the community seems to be focusing and trying to help out all of the people who need it."
Martin's own home on Waione Rd was mostly fine through the heavy rain overnight.
"There is a little bit of flooding but that was only because our drains get blocked quite quickly so basically our grass, our footpath, walkways and stuff like that, they flood, but the house is still intact so not any flooding inside the house.
"There have been a couple of trees that fell over in front of our house and driveway. If we had left one of our vehicles there, it definitely would have been broken down.
"It is actually quite surprising how bad it got. Now, after all of our rain, we've got bright sunny skies and hot weather."
Family with small children trapped for hours on roof without wet weather gear
Vera Alves
Vera Alves
All weather alerts lifted across New Zealand
Vera Alves
All weather alerts have been lifted across New Zealand, save a strong wind warning and heavy rain watch for the Chatham Islands.
For the first time in days, there are no alerts for the North Island and the South Island.
The Chatham Islands will be pounded by the incoming storm, which moved to the east of New Zealand, later today.
Those warnings and watches lift by 5am tomorrow.
Vera Alves
'Heartbreaking': Minister confirms 'young people' among the missing
Vera Alves
Minister Mark Mitchell has just told the Herald's Michael Morrah that "young people" are among those unaccounted for, and it's a "heartbreaking" situation for parents who are at the surf club waiting for news.
No voices heard since rescuers had to temporarily stand down
Vera Alves
No one has been rescued from under the Mount Maunganui landslide yet, the Fire and Emergency spokesman said.
Initially people could be heard yelling out.
A second slip threatening to come down meant rescuers had to stand down from the scene temporarily.
No voices had been heard since.
Two people still unaccounted for in Welcome Bay
Vera Alves
At Welcome Bay, at least one house had a landslide through it.
Two people were able to escape and two remained unaccounted for, Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson said.
That rescue operation was operating simultaneously with the Mount Maunganui landslide.
He said the scene at Welcome Bay was posing challenges to staff, with instability proving hazardous to rescuers.
He added that people in the region should listen to official advice during bad weather.
"Take the advice seriously," he added.
Fire and Emergency detected signs of life when operation began
Vera Alves
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said his thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the slip.
Drysdale said some of those unaccounted for were believed to have checked out of the campsite without officially notifying managers.
Asked if there had been any signs of life, the Fire and Emergency spokesman said the crew had detected signs of life when they started to look for people but this had changed in later hours.
Drysdale said there were hundreds of families at the campground when the hillside collapsed.
Geoscientists assessing when it will be safe to access Mount Maunganui
Vera Alves
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said geoscientists are working in Mount Maunganui to assess when it will be safe to access it again.
'The acts of bravery that are yet to come out publicly are outstanding'
Vera Alves
Civil Defence and police were talking to campers at risk ahead of last night's storm.
"The acts of bravery that are yet to come out publicly are outstanding," Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson said.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said the parents and the husband of some people missing in the campground collapse were now waiting in the building behind them, awaiting word from the rescue operation.
He asked people not to speculate on the missing as their families were under stress.
'It is possible we could find someone alive': Police unable to confirm number of missing
Vera Alves
Assistant Police Commissioner Tim Anderson said a number of households had been evacuated from Welcome Bay overnight.
Some had put their lives at risk to rescue people from their homes.
In terms of the landslide, Anderson was unable to go into details about the number of people missing. He added that it was "single figures".
"It is possible we could find someone alive," he said.
Anderson said clarity of numbers would come within days.
The landslide came down on the back of the pools and the back of the holiday park.
'Complex and high risk environment': Major operation underway to find those missing in landslide
Vera Alves
Police Superintendent Tim Anderson, Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell and Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale are providing an update on the weather events in the area over the last few hours.
Mitchell described it as a "challenging and difficult" 24 hours for the eastern seaboard.
He said it was a tragedy that had unfolded at the campsite this morning.
Mitchell added that it is a fluid situation and a rescue operation is currently underway.
The stability of the land is one of the considerations of the rescue team, who are working to ensure the operation goes safely for everyone involved.
Mitchell said a second recovery operation was underway simultaneously in Welcome Bay.
"We know that we've had multiple slips infrastructure down, working hard to get power restored, and obviously a real priority is the recovery of people and the rescue operation that is happening behind us," he said, speaking from the surf club in Mount Maunganui.
The Fire and Emergency spokesman said urban search and rescue teams were at the site.
"This is a complex and high risk environment," he said.
Power restored to Whananaki homes
Vera Alves
Power has been restored to more than 80 properties which were left in the dark yesterday afternoon at Rockell Rd near Whananaki in Northland.
The supply was interrupted yesterday after a power pole was located in a slip. Just three households remain without power, with an unknown restoration time.
In the Far North, 14 are now without power between Herekino and Broadwood, according to the Top Energy website.
The outage was initially impacting just seven households but has since grown.
Police about to hold media stand-up from Mount Maunganui
Vera Alves
Police will hold a media stand-up regarding the landslide at Mount Maunganui at 1pm.
The Herald will livestream the stand-up and also report live from the scene.
Children reportedly among those missing in Mount Maunganui landslide
Vera Alves
Children are believed to be among the missing people following the landslide in Mount Maunganui. Emergency crews continue to search for those who are unaccounted for among the debris.
'Common sense': Desperate search for swimmers amid weather warning
Vera Alves
Residents are being urged to use "common sense" after police were called to Takapuna Beach over fears two swimmers were missing.
Several units arrived at the beach at 1.21am after a report that two swimmers were unaccounted for in the water.
Waitematā East Area Commander Inspector Mike Rickards said the two people were quickly located, as they had returned to shore without telling the person waiting on the beach.
"We established the group had been out drinking in Takapuna earlier in the night and some decided to go for a late-night swim.
"Our staff spoke with the group about how this could have easily put themselves at risk, we're just relieved no one is unaccounted for.
"It’s a reminder for people to use common sense, particularly around alcohol and swimming while weather warnings are in place."
'Not the time for sightseeing': Shane Reti urges Northlanders to stay vigilant
Vera Alves
Whangārei MP Dr Shane Reti said the main concern for himself and Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper was those who had been isolated.
Slips at Whakapara had cut off large parts of the community, and access was a "high priority," he said.
Although skies in Whangārei were blue thus far, Reti said now was "not the time for sightseeing".
"This is a time for emergency crews to be able to be out and about and improving access to those who have been isolated."
Reti had driven past a large slip on the south side of the Brynderwyns just after 6.30pm yesterday evening, and said he had spoken with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) about that this morning.
When he went past, the route had been reduced to one lane.
He had been reassured today that things had performed as they were supposed to, and contractors arrived quickly to manage the situation.
With winds due to pick up this afternoon, he encouraged people to charge their cellphones in the event of an outage.
Searchers digging through mud to find missing people
Vera Alves
A resident in a nearby apartment block, Robyn (no surname given), told RNZ she saw people digging through the mud for an hour after the Mount Maunganui slip but it appeared no bodies were found.
She saw stretchers arriving but leaving empty.
Children believed to be among those missing in Mount Maunganui landslide
Vera Alves
It is understood children are among those missing after the Mount Maunganui landslide, RNZ reported.
'Long road to recovery' for some in Northland
Vera Alves
Acting Far North Mayor Chicky Rudkin said this morning the Whangaroa area was particularly hard-hit overnight.
Matauri Bay campers had to be evacuated yesterday evening as a precautionary measure following a slip.
They were taken to the nearby marae and have "great community support", she said.
Rudkin was pleased with smoothly things had run, and said it seemed as though whānau were taking heed of advice and not taking risks.
She said the message for people was that the Far North was very much "still open" for Northland Anniversary weekend, but there would be inaccessible areas.
Green MP Hūhana Lyndon had been on the ground over the last few days in the northeast coast region and said both sides of Whangaruru were still shut in.
The priority was making sure whanāu that needed medical care and medication had access to it.
Lyndon said it could be a "long road to recovery" for some.
"Not all whānau are insured, and at the moment the welfare checks are underway, assessing damage."
People had lost cars, property had been damaged, and many were isolated and cut off.
On some whenua (land), bridges had been damaged, leaving connection limited.
Others were low on gas after driving long distances for welfare checks.
Lyndon said she had requested for fuel to be brought out to the area.
She was still concerned about the threat of gastro bugs amid a collapse of the wastewater system in the Ōakura area.
Lyndon said the weather event had signalled the need to be "robust" in the way marae were equipped, which acted as major hubs in emergency situations.
"All of our contacts across the rohe [region] know each other and have regular discussions. I think generally, things have gone well."
Photos show devastation in Te Araroa
Vera Alves
More than 80 homes without power in Whananaki
Vera Alves
More than 80 households are without power on Rockell Rd near Whananaki following a power interruption just before 6pm yesterday.
The Northpower website stated the fault team was on site and making repairs after a power pole was found in a slip.
There was no estimated restoration time listed.
Meanwhile in the Far North, seven homes had been without power since yesterday between Herekino and Broadwood.
The estimated restoration time is just after 1pm today.
Family trapped on the roof in Te Araroa included small children
Vera Alves
The Te Araroa whānau trapped on their roof included small children, according to local woman Maree Brownlie.
"They were up there in that howling gale and rain clinging to their roof all night. They never had any wet weather gear, they just had some torches fortunately," she told the Herald.
"Their house this morning is just completely surrounded by debris."
Tauranga has wettest day on record, two-and-a-half months' worth of rain in 12 hours
Vera Alves
In the 12 hours until 6am today, Tauranga recorded 198mm of rain.
Meteorologist Mmthapelo Makgabutlane said that's two-and-a-half months' worth of rain over that period.
"That was preceded by intense rain. From 3am to 4am, there was 25mm," Makgabutlane said.
"In the past 24 hours, from 9am to 9am, 274mm of rain fell in Tauranga, making it the wettest day on record."
"The records date back to 1910."
Tauranga City Council issues update as several still unaccounted for
Vera Alves
Tauranga City Council has issued the following update:
The landslide that has occurred at Mount Maunganui is an evolving situation.
We are on site and working with emergency services to gather more information and provide support.
What we know is that several people are unaccounted for. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this event and their loved ones.
Right now, our priority is supporting our staff on the ground, emergency services and those affected as best we can.
Most people have been evacuated from the Mount Holiday Park. Our campground staff are prioritising working out which campgrounds sites have been affected. We are contacting all guests that have checked in and checked out.
We ask that the community please stay away from the area, including any customers who have a booking at Mount Holiday Park.
The campground is closed until further notice. Campground staff will be in touch directly with customers regarding their bookings shortly.
Northland begins clean-up
Vera Alves
Te Araroa local describes how debris left roads impassable
Vera Alves
Maree Brownlie, the owner of the Twilight Coffee Garden in Te Araroa, said "boulders", "huge pine trees" and debris had left the roads impassable.
"Homes are surrounded by debris and flooding up to the windows," she said.
"I just feel so fortunate a slip came down behind my house and turned left right at my back gate."
"There are just slips everywhere along the highway blocking basically every few houses, it is impossible to get there."
"The sun is trying to come out and it is coming through the clouds now. The rain has stopped and the humidity is off the scale. The visibility is still quite poor, we've got a helicopter coming out checking on areas and doing drop offs back in town."
"[Air] is the only way to get into the area probably for quite some time."
"We've had complete road drop outs by the bridge just on the other side of the hill so the road to Gisborne is out completely.
"We're screwed because the Waioweka road is out and now this route around the coast is out. A lot of people are really cut off, badly cut off."
She said a lot of small businesses along the East Coast through to Ōpōtiki would feel the impact, particularly with the long weekend coming up for Auckland Anniversary.
"This is the season that a lot of coast businesses really need to get them through the quiet winter, so that is going to be a downer for everyone with businesses along here."
"There are slips everywhere and big ones, not just a bit of debris, they are really big and are going to require a lot of big earthmoving equipment and they are still sliding. That is the problem, some of these are still actually active."
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence issues advice on landslides
Vera Alves
Vera Alves
Westpac offers financial relief to customers hit by North Island storms
Vera Alves
Westpac New Zealand has advised that it is offering financial support to business and consumer customers affected by storms and flooding across the North Island.
Support for business and agri customers may include suspending principal loan payments for up to three months, deferring credit card payments, providing temporary overdrafts and granting access to term deposits for those in financial hardship.
For consumer customers, support may include suspending home loan payments for up to three months for customers who are ahead on repayments and have sufficient undrawn balances, along with financial hardship assistance such as reduced repayments for a period or access to term deposits.
Westpac New Zealand managing director of consumer banking and wealth Helen Ryder said the bank’s priority is customer and staff safety.
"Our thoughts are with those caught up in this weather event, and we're here to help in any way we can," she said.
Customers who need support are encouraged to call 0800 738 691 to discuss the assistance they may be eligible for.
Westpac is also contacting more than 10,000 general insurance customers in affected areas to ensure they have support and information if they need to make a claim.
Resident describes watching landslide unfold, seeing trapped girls yell out to parents
Vera Alves
Pilot Bay resident Rachel McGarva said she just happened to be looking out towards Mauao when she saw trees shaking and mud sliding towards the hot pools.
She and her family rushed over to see what was happening.
"People are trapped in the [campground] toilet block, and some of the facilities are covered.
"Some girls trapped in the toilets managed to yell out to their parents.
"The building that had filled with dirt, they are trying to take the roof off and trying to dig."
"Everyone was just going and trying to dig.
"All the people at the camp are gathering at the surf club to do a head count."
She said police dogs were also being used at the scene.
"People are still trapped there. The parents of the trapped girls are there. One poor guy whose wife is trapped was just standing there, quiet, in shock I think. We offered to buy him a coffee ... "
She said she had called emergency services as she watched the landslide come down and ran down.
"People weren't reacting, so I was saying on the phone that maybe it wasn't anything. Then I could see it was just huge.
"It was a very weird situation. No one seemed to be doing anything except the people at the campground.
"I could hear people screaming and yelling.
"I hope they are okay."
She said the long, narrow landslide had "come out a really long way".
'Absolutely devastating': Tauranga MP says landslide news 'very disturbing'
Vera Alves
Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell said the news people were trapped after the slip was "absolutely devastating".
"It's very, very disturbing. My thoughts are with their families and all their loved ones. "
Uffindell said when his wife first pointed out the news to him, he was shocked and stunned.
"It's a horrible and devastating situation for all those involved.
"We hope and pray that the emergency services [staff] can reach the people quickly, and there is a safe and speedy recovery of all those trapped."
PM 'actively monitoring' extreme weather across NZ
Vera Alves
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is "actively monitoring" the extreme weather nationwide, while confirming Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell is in Mount Maunganui as emergency services respond to a major slip.
The Government "is doing everything we can to support those impacted", Luxon said, and reminded people to follow their local authorities' advice on how to keep safe.
"Minister Mark Mitchell and I have been receiving briefings over the past 24 hours, and we are actively monitoring situations across the country – including the major incident in Mount Maunganui, where the minister is on the ground," the Prime Minister wrote.
"To the emergency responders, Defence Force personnel, and all those who are putting themselves in harm’s way to keep Kiwis safe, the whole country is grateful."
'Deeply distressing': Tauranga Mayor says landslide situation still evolving
Vera Alves
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the landslide was an evolving situation.
"At this stage, we are aware that some people are unaccounted for, and our thoughts are with them, their families, and everyone affected.
"We are doing all we can on the ground and providing support to campground staff and visitors. The incident is currently being responded to by police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Land Search and Rescue, and St John."
He said roads were closed and asked that people stay away and avoid the area.
"This is a deeply distressing event, and our priority right now is the safety and wellbeing of those involved. We will share further updates as soon as we are able."
Authorities ask everyone to avoid Mount Maunganui campground area
Vera Alves
"We are still gathering more information about the landslide, and the situation is evolving," Tauranga City Council said in a statement.
"The incident is currently being responded to by police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and St John.
"Road closures will be in place. We are asking everyone to please stay away and avoid the area."
Aerial footage of flooded Waihou River
Vera Alves
Aerial footage from the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter flying over the Waihou River at 10.40am this morning on their way to a mission in the Coromandel:
Vera Alves
A large-scale emergency operation is underway at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park following a large landslide, with reports multiple people are unaccounted for.
'I woke a few people up in their tents': Local describes panic as people tried to get to those trapped by slip
Vera Alves
A Mount Maunganui resident has described scenes of people screaming and crying and a hysterical woman trying to get to someone trapped following a major slip at the base of the mountain.
Alister McHardy said he was about 50m away on Adams Ave at about 9.45am when he heard what sounded like "rolling thunder and cracking of trees".
"I was putting my fishing rod back in the car and looked up and the whole hillside gave way and smashed through the shower block and over the top of caravans. There were people running and screaming and I saw people get bowled. There are people trapped."
He said the slip had covered several tent sites and the corner of the Mount Hot Pools.
He said one woman was running in front of the rolling dirt and then tried to get back to what he assumed was her loved one trapped under the dirt.
"She was trying to get to someone."
He said she was "hysterical" but was escorted away for her safety.
McHardy said he had arrived at the main beach earlier in the morning to go fishing at Pilot Bay but first went around the side of the walking tracks by the beach to check out the storm damage.
He said he noticed a few slips around the walking track which concerned him.
"I woke a few people up in their tents just to warn them that they might want to get out."
He said he called Fire and Emergency New Zealand to report the slips and was told it would be referred it to Tauranga City Council.
McHardy said he then went fishing at Pilot Bay but the slip came down on his return to his vehicle.
"I don't know why they didn't evacuate everyone earlier."
McHardy said he stayed on Adams Ave after the slip came down to help volunteers and emergency services by acting as a spotter for slips across the road.
"I just feel so helpless."
He said it was still a dangerous situation.
"Everyone is standing back now. The bank where the slip is is still rilling, which means it's still trickling down."
Vera Alves
Vera Alves
Pāpāmoa woman evacuated after slip tears through neighbouring property:
More images show Mount Maunganui slip
Vera Alves
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