What started as a peaceful morning at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park turned into a nightmare for campers when a massive landslide struck on Thursday.
Among the chaos, a woman’s quick thinking saved lives, earning her praise as a hero.
She had woken campers at 5am to pack up and leave, moments before the hillside collapsed, burying the campsite under tons of mud and debris.
Tragically, the same woman later became trapped herself in a toilet block when the landslide hit a few hours later.
Witnesses described her actions as courageous, with one telling the NZ Herald, “I just want you to know that one of the women in that shower block was a hero.”
Campers Caught Off Guard
The landslide struck around 9:30am, shaking the ground violently and sending terrified screams echoing across the campground.
Caravans, tents, vehicles, and toilet facilities were flattened under the weight of the mud, with both locals and tourists, including Australians, among those trapped.
Would-be rescuers climbed onto the roof of the toilet block after hearing frantic cries from beneath the rubble.
Unfortunately, after about 15 minutes, the screams stopped, prompting emergency crews to pause the rescue temporarily due to fears of another slip.
The mangled structure had been displaced roughly 20 meters from its original position, landing on top of several caravans. So far, no one has been pulled from the rubble alive.
First Responders and Immediate Chaos
Mark Tangney was among the first to arrive, drawn by the screams of those trapped.
“There were six or eight other guys on the roof of the toilet block with tools, trying to lift the roof because we could hear people calling for help,” he said.
Despite their efforts, the trapped voices went silent after a short while, though Tangney continued assisting until official rescue teams arrived.
Other witnesses recalled the sheer terror of the event.
Sonny Worrall from NSW, Australia, was enjoying the nearby hot pools when he noticed the hillside giving way.
“I had to jump up and run. A caravan was right behind me. It all happened in a flash. People were panicking everywhere,” he said.
Fisherman Alister Hardy described the landslide as “rolling thunder and cracking trees,” with people running and being swept away by the mud.
Children Among Those Missing
Police and emergency officials confirmed that multiple children remain unaccounted for following the disaster.
Superintendent Tim Anderson said the number of missing is in the “single figures” and added that there is still hope of finding survivors.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell echoed these concerns, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The campground has been evacuated, and authorities have urged the public to stay away as rescue operations continue.
Fire and Emergency NZ commander William Park confirmed that the search would continue through the night, describing the site as “complex and high-risk.”
The Widespread Impact of Torrential Rain
Mount Maunganui, a popular coastal destination north of Auckland, is no stranger to heavy rainfall, but the latest storm has been unprecedented.
Tauranga, the nearest city, received 295mm of rain in just 30 hours.
A rare red weather warning for a “threat to life” was issued across several North Island regions, leading to a state of local emergency.
The flooding and landslides have affected other areas too.
In Warkworth, a man was swept away in a swollen river, while in Welcome Bay, a landslip damaged a home, leaving one person seriously injured.
Thousands across Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and Tairawhiti were left without power.
Coordinated Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue operations are ongoing, with police, fire crews, helicopter teams, surf lifesavers, and the Defence Force all involved.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed the government’s support for those affected and praised emergency responders for risking their lives.
A second landslip behind Mount Maunganui Surf Club forced evacuation of the building, adding to the danger.
Authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to follow official safety guidance.
A Community in Shock
Mount Maunganui, known for its extinct volcano, sacred Maori sites, and ocean-view hiking trails, now faces a tragedy that has shaken its holidaymakers and locals alike.
As rescuers work tirelessly through the night, the focus remains on finding survivors and supporting those who lost their homes and belongings to the devastating landslides.
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