Two people have been confirmed dead in a landslide, including a Chinese citizen, according to Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong.

We are sad to learn that two people are confirmed to have lost their lives, including a Chinese citizen, and a number of people remain unaccounted for in the massive slip near Mt Manganui yesterday. Our hearts are with the impacted families at this difficult moment. Deeply…

— Wang Xiaolong (@AmbChina2NZ) January 22, 2026

Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale said officials were supporting the families of those missing while emergency services continue to work hard to find those unaccounted for.

"We just please ask the public to stay away," he said. 

According to the mayor, the local community "has been amazing" supporting the families of the missing as well as the rescue teams on the ground.

Chair of Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service Brent Warner said lifeguard patrols were still operating and would continue as normal.

The service asked the public to help them by swimming between the flags at Tay Street, rather than the main beach.

Witness recalls 'loud crunching, thumping noise' when landslide hit

A holidaymaker staying on Leinster Ave was on Pilot Bay's boardwalk, about 400m from the scene, when the slip hit.

He remembers a "loud crunching, thumping noise" that caught his attention. An "unfamiliar" sound.

He looked up and could see the top of the scar in the hill.

When he reached the edge of the Hot Pools, he could see people on top of the slip, "frantically" pulling at the roof and debris.

He recalls people slowing right down in their cars to rubberneck and take photos as emergency services tried to access the scene.

He also said it had felt unsettling to be out having dinner in the busy Mount township last night, as people wined and dined as usual, while just down the road the rescue efforts were underway.

'We need to encourage people to stay away from that area'

Head manager at Copenhagen Cones Shannon said her staff evacuated the store – located opposite the Mount Beachside Holiday Park – by 9.50am Thursday morning.

The store and staff were not harmed by the landslide. The store’s view of the campsite was blocked by the Mount Hot Pools building, so staff were unable to see anything besides the surrounding mud.

Shannon managed to enter the store around midday Thursday as the power had been out for 10 hours. A freezer truck picked up her ice cream stock to prevent meltage.

“We’re not worried about the business.

“We’re closed, but we need to encourage people to stay away from that area.”

Cordons remain in place in Mount Maunganui this morning. Photo / Bijou Johnson

NEMA warns flooding and landslide dangers haven’t fully passed

The National Emergency Management Agency is urging caution for the public, warning that dangers posed by landslide and flooding haven’t passed following the recent severe weather events that have hit the upper North Island. 

NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price said the heavy rain over the past few days would continue to cause impacts for some days to come, including widespread flooding damage, road closures, and the high risk of further landslides. 

“The dangers posed by landslides and flooding still exist. Put safety first and don’t take any chances. 

“Floodwater is dangerous as it often contains debris and is contaminated, which can make you sick and cause harm. Be careful around floodwater and when cleaning up after flooding. 

“Alongside flooding, landslides are a continued risk. They can happen quickly, without any warning, even after the bad weather has passed. More rain, wind or minor earthquakes can all shift already wet and unstable land. The nature of being in New Zealand means that landslides are one of our most dangerous natural hazards, and we need to be vigilant. 

“We have seen the tragic consequences of landslides at Welcome Bay and with the ongoing search at Mount Maunganui Hot Pools and Camping Ground. Our thoughts and aroha are with the families who have lost loved ones and those with family members unaccounted for.” 

Price said it’s important to take care around and stay well away from existing landslide sites and in places you think a landslide might happen. 

“I urge everyone to stay away from existing landslides until they have been properly inspected and authorities give the all-clear. More landslides can happen in the same place. 

“Please be aware of the warning signs of a potential landslide.” 

Warning signs of potential landslides include:
-Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes.
-Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building.
-Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly.
-Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
-New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces.
-Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences. 
Price said that if you think a landslide is going to happen in your area, evacuate immediately. 

“Your safety is your number one priority. The danger isn’t always visible but it is real. 
Price said if lives were in danger dial 111. Otherwise, contact your local council once you are in a safe location.

The Herald understands from a source involved in the rescue efforts that as many as nine people are unaccounted for.

Two bodies have been recovered from a house in Welcome Bay following a slip in the Tauranga suburb yesterday. 

People were advised to avoid the area.

St Peters Anglican Church parishioner Karen Mosen said the church at 15 Victoria Rd, Mount Maunganui would be open from 2pm to 4pm today for people to stop by.

“There’s no service, but we will be open for people to share a prayer, light a candle or have some reflection time, or have a sit down with a cup of tea.”

Damage after a slip at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

The landslide has come down onto a building, caravans, tents and vehicles at the base of the iconic mountain.

The campsite has been evacuated, and Adams Ave was closed while emergency services work to locate anybody who remains in the area, a police spokesperson said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, alongside police, continue the search for persons unaccounted for at the Mount Maunganui landslip.

Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said they were alerted to the landslide at Welcome Bay at 4.50am on Thursady and to the landslide impacting a campground in Mount Maunganui at 9.31am.

File photo

"USAR teams provide specialist search, rescue, and technical assessment capability. USAR is 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.

"Our 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."

Callouts

From 1am Tuesday to 4pm Thursday, Fire and Emergency crews responded to 305 weather related callouts from Northland to the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti.

"We are demobilising our specialist water rescue teams from across the North Island where they were pre-positioned to support isolated communities ahead of the forecast severe weather.

"We ask people to avoid the Mount to allow emergency services to have the space to work safely," Megan Stiffler says.

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.

Mauao closure

Mauao (Mount Maunganui) is fully closed to the public until further notice due to large slips that have made the area unsafe.

Recent severe weather has significantly destabilised the maunga, creating an ongoing risk of further slips and falling debris.

Due to the heightened risk to public safety, all tracks, access points, and surrounding areas of Mauao are closed while the considerable damage is assessed. Fencing is being installed and secured at key entry points, with signage and barriers in place at all closure points to prevent public access. Security will also be present to monitor the closure and ensure public safety.

The closure will remain in place while conditions continue to be monitored, and any necessary remediation work is undertaken.