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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and MP for East Auckland’s Botany electorate, along with National MP for Pakūranga, Simeon Brown have today expressed their sadness at the fatalities announced at the Mount Maunganui campground.
Luxon says it is “devastating to receive the news we have all been dreading,” after police today confirmed fatalities at the campground following the landslide on January 22.
Two East Auckland students from Pakūranga College are among the six people confirmed dead.
Police this afternoon released the names of all six unaccounted for, as the search formally moved into a recovery phase.
Bay of Plenty District Commander Tim Anderson said the operation was 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,” Anderson said.
“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.”
Luxon called the news “devastating”.
“For three days since the landslide occurred at Mount Maunganui campground, every New Zealander has been hoping for a miracle,” he in a statement today, January 24.
“Today, it is devastating to receive the news we have all been dreading.”
“Police have confirmed fatalities at the campground and that no one would have been able to survive, meaning the rescue operation is now moving to a recovery phase.
“To the families who have lost loved ones – every New Zealander is grieving with you,” Luxon said.
Luxon acknowledged those continuing to work at the campground, as well as first responders and local residents who put themselves in harm’s way to help others in the immediate aftermath of the landslide.
“Our focus now is on the recovery and on supporting those who are grieving the loss of their beloved family member,” he said.
Brown also released a statement this afternoon.
“My heart is absolutely broken by the news that Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico, two young students from Pakūranga College here in East Auckland, have lost their lives in the Mt Maunganui landslides.
“To Max and Sharon’s families, friends, and everyone who knew and loved them, our community is grieving with you. These were two young people with their whole lives ahead of them, taken far too soon in the most unimaginable way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this devastating time.
“The Pakūranga College community will also be feeling this loss deeply. What should have been the excitement of a new school year has been overshadowed by heartbreak. Starting the year under these circumstances will be hard, but please know that support is available – the school and my office are both here for you.
“To everyone in Pakūranga, please look after each other in the days ahead. Our community’s strength has always been in how we care for one another, and we need that now more than ever.”
