New Zealand landslide crushes Mount Maunganui campground, several feared trapped under rubble

Mount Maunganui: A devastating landslide tore through the popular Beachside Holiday Park at the base of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) on New Zealand’s North Island early Thursday, leaving several people missing and feared buried under rubble as emergency crews battled difficult conditions to reach them.

Emergency services were called to the scene just after 9.30 am local time after days of torrential rain triggered by a tropical low swept heavy downpours across the North Island.

Authorities confirmed that the number of people unaccounted for remains in the “single figures,” with children believed among those missing.

Chaos and Fear as Shelters and Vehicles Buried in Mud

The landslide — described by witnesses as a violent slab of earth and debris — plowed into campervans, tents and park facilities, trapping vacationers and flattening parts of the campground.

Early responders reported hearing cries for help as they began digging through the mud, but those sounds fell silent as conditions deteriorated, raising fears for those still trapped.

Local surf rescue clubs and volunteer teams have set up triage and evacuation points nearby while specialist Urban Search and Rescue units use sniffer dogs and heavy equipment to comb the site.

“Rescue, Not Recovery — Yet”: Officials Warn of Ongoing Danger

Fire and Emergency New Zealand commanders stressed that land instability and safety risks have slowed rescue work, with crews forced to pull back at times amid shifting ground.

Police Superintendent Tim Anderson said exact numbers of missing people are still being clarified, noting that some campers had checked out without notifying authorities, complicating the tally.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said the situation remains an active rescue operation, with every effort focused on saving lives.

Wider Weather Chaos Across North Island

The landslide comes as a broader storm system batters the region, causing widespread flooding, slips, power cuts and road closures across the North Island — from Northland to the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne — prompting local states of emergency in some areas.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is monitoring the situation and confirmed government support for ongoing emergency operations.