Mt Maunganui slip: Recovery halted after hillside instability

Sunday, 25 January 2026

Recovery efforts have been paused and staff evacuated from the Mt Maunganui slip after experts declared it was too dangerous to continue.

Work halted on Sunday morning at 11.50am after geotechnical engineers spotted a large crack on the left side of the hillside.

Speaking to media outside the cordon, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said it would be “foolish” and “negligent” to continue work.

He acknowledged pulling back was frustrating for both family members and for police staff working on the site.

“We've had to do that for the safety of everyone concerned.”

There were mitigations in place to keep staff safe, including a risk assessment by experts each morning before work started for the day.

“Whilst we’ve got a number of people 100% focused on the disaster identification phase and getting those loved ones out, we also have a number of staff that are just looking at that slip, monitoring for signs and keeping everyone safe.”

Police were committed to recovering the six victims, Anderson said.

“All of our police staff, the rescue staff, and everyone is 100% committed to bringing those loved ones back for these families, and we will remain here until we continue to achieve that aim.”

Further assessments were being done by experts and more advanced and sensitive technology was being brought onto the site to aid recovery work.