‘He was my sunshine’: Family of landslide victim Max Furse-Kee pays tribute
Sunday, 25 January 2026
Max Furse-Kee’s “endlessly proud” family has paid tribute to the teenager, who was killed in the Mt Maunganui landslide.
“My love for Max is impossible to explain, no words are big enough to describe this love or loss,” said a statement released by his mother and family on Sunday.
“What I can say is from the moment I first looked at his beautiful blue eyes almost 16 years ago he had my whole heart, he was my sunshine. Max was an incredible, kind, and beautiful human being. He was a wonderful son, a devoted big brother, grandson, nephew, friend, teammate, and boyfriend. He was such a good kid, and he is so deeply loved.”
On Thursday morning, a landslide came crashing onto Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, at the base of Mauao in Mount Maunganui.
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Other people confirmed missing following the landslide are Sharon Maccanico, 15; Susan Knowles, 71, from Rotorua; Lisa Maclennan, 51, from Morrinsville; Måns Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden; and Jacqualine Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua.
Sharon Maccanico and Max Furse-Kee both attended Pakuranga College, in Auckland.
Max would have turned 16 this week and the family was looking forward to celebrating that milestone.
“Just days ago, my biggest fear was him getting his driver’s licence,” the statement said.
“How I wish now that he could have experienced the joy of driving, and so many other moments that growing up brings. Our lives have changed so suddenly and so completely, we will never be the same.”
Max was “incredibly close” to his family, bringing them joy, laughter, and light, the statement said. He had incredible friends and a girlfriend who meant the world to him.
“Life without Max is impossible to imagine. In truth, all of this feels impossible to imagine. We are endlessly proud of who he is and that he is ours.”
The family thanked everyone who had sent messages of support, and also the team working at Mauao.
“We have been cared for with extraordinary kindness, compassion, and humanity. With tears in their eyes they have updated us, sat with us, fed us. They have searched for hours on end and continue to work tirelessly to bring our baby home to us.”
They also had a message for the other families waiting for their loved ones.
“We share this grief with you, and we are holding you close in our thoughts during this unimaginably painful time.”
“Max will always be loved, always be ours, and always be remembered. Love you 100 Max.”
Police said recovery efforts at the site of the deadly landslide in Mount Maunganui were paused on Sunday after concerns were raised about a potential new slip.
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said work was halted at 11.50am.
“Geotechnical experts are assessing the area and teams will resume work as soon as they are cleared to do so.
“Delays like this are frustrating but the safety of everyone supporting the recovery effort is paramount.”