Police have released the names of the six people missing in the Mount Maunganui landslide:

• Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville
• Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden
• Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua
• Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotahā
• Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland
• Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland

Bay of Plenty District Police Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the operation was moving from being a rescue into a recovery phase.

He said the operation was formally handed over to Police by Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11.20am.

“Every single person involved in this operation has been focused solely on saving the lives of the people under the slip," Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said in a statement.

"Search teams have been working through the slip layer by layer, but tragically it is now apparent that we will not be able to bring them home alive."

“This is heartbreaking news for the families and the dozens of people who have been working day and night, hoping for a positive outcome.

“We informed the families of this news this morning and we’re continuing to provide them with wrap-around support. They are going through something very few people could understand, and we ask that they be given space to grieve.”

Challenging search terrain

Anderson said searchers had located human remains under the slip and formal identification was proceeding.

He said police would not detail what had been found or who it was believed to be. 

“This afternoon, search teams, supported by contractors and machinery, are continuing to work through the debris, towards the amenities block. It’s taken two days to get to this point, but they’re getting closer.

“From what we have seen, the building suffered catastrophic damage and we are confronted with the reality that it is highly unlikely anyone would have been able to survive."

He said the material that slipped from the mountain was sodden.

“It’s heavy and hit with massive force."

He said the impact, movement and weight made the scene incredibly challenging to work through.

"Those involved are doing their jobs admirably and respectfully.

“The welfare of those on the search ground is of utmost importance and we’re offering them support if they need it.”

Coronial process

Responsibility for identifying the victims, along with other legal processes, now passes to the Coroners Court.

An internationally approved process for disaster victim identification (DVI) is being followed.

Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton said the deaths were deeply saddening.

“I want to reassure families and friends that the people you love, who have died in this tragedy, will be cared for and treated with dignity and respect as we work through the necessary processes."

Victims would be transported to the mortuary in Hamilton for any necessary post mortem examinations. 

Coroners would determine the identity of the victims with help from police and other specialists.

She said identification in these circumstances "can be a painstaking, complex process, especially when people are severely injured".

“I can’t say how long the identification process will take – but I give my absolute assurance that we will work very carefully – and as quickly as we can - to reunite families.”