Timeline: the deadly Mount Maunganui landslide, the inquiry and the long road to reopening

Tauranga is under heightened alert as three additional landslips have been recorded at the site of a fatal landslide that claimed six lives in early January. The recent incidents unfolded over a 48-hour span, prompting experts to conduct assessments at the location. The Tauranga City Council has raised concerns about a “major regression” in stability at the site, highlighting ongoing risks. The deadly landslide occurred on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga. Heavy rainfall had led to widespread flooding across the North Island, with some areas experiencing their wettest days on record. The landslide struck around 9:30 am, impacting campervans, tents, vehicles, and an ablution block near the Mount Hot Pools. Six individuals were initially unaccounted for, and rescue operations began immediately, involving meticulous searches through the unstable terrain. By the following day, the search efforts shifted to recovery operations, and the identities of the victims were officially confirmed by police. The deceased included Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha; Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland; and Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland. A community vigil was held shortly after the tragedy to honor the lives lost. In addition to the main incident, another landslide resulted in two fatalities on Welcome Bay Road in Pāpāmoa. Police identified the victims as 10-year-old Austen Keith Richardson and his grandmother, Yao Fang, aged 71. These events underscored the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action. Following the disasters, the government announced the initiation of an official inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the landslides. Geotechnical engineers continued evaluating the area, and local authorities implemented several safety measures. The Pilot Bay boat ramp was temporarily closed, and a red building placard was placed at the Mount Maunganui Surf Club. An automated alarm system was installed to detect further slips, while shipping containers were deployed to stabilize the site. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale expressed confidence that Mauao, the iconic hill, would eventually reopen despite the extensive damage. This sentiment was echoed by officials who emphasized the importance of public safety during the recovery process. In March 2026, the government inquiry progressed with the confirmation of its Terms of Reference and membership. Emergency Management and Recovery Associate Minister Chris Penk outlined the inquiry’s objectives, stating it would examine how the landslides occurred, assess whether relevant agencies adequately managed known risks, and determine if proper warnings and evacuations were issued. The inquiry aimed to provide recommendations to mitigate future risks and prevent similar tragedies. The investigation was set to consider evidence starting on 30 March and was expected to conclude with a final report by 3 December 2026. Throughout this period, access restrictions remained in place, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by the unstable conditions at the site.