The search continues for people trapped after a massive landslide at a Mount Maunganui campground. 

The Herald understands from a source involved in the rescue efforts that as many as nine people are unaccounted for.

People were heard screaming for help from inside a toilet block as would-be rescuers on the roof desperately tried to use tools to get through.

Two bodies have been recovered from a house in Welcome Bay following a slip in the Tauranga suburb yesterday. 

A witness has described seeing a caravan tossed into a pool and widespread damage after a “massive” landslide destroyed parts of the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, with several people unaccounted for.

A large slip hit the campsite at Mount Maunganui mid-morning,and there are fears children are among those that are trapped. 

People were advised to avoid the area.

Damage after a slip at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

The landslide has come down onto a building, caravans, tents and vehicles at the base of the iconic mountain.

The campsite has been evacuated, and Adams Ave was closed while emergency services work to locate anybody who remains in the area, a police spokesperson said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, alongside police, continue the search for persons unaccounted for at the Mount Maunganui landslip.

Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said they were alerted to the landslide at Welcome Bay at 4.50am on Thursady and to the landslide impacting a campground in Mount Maunganui at 9.31am.

File photo

"USAR teams provide specialist search, rescue, and technical assessment capability. USAR is trained to operate in unstable ground, structural collapse and complex rescue environments. Expert operators from Fire and Emergency and Police have narrowed down the area of operation," Stiffler said.

USAR is currently carefully removing layers of debris and heavy machinery is on site to assist.

"This is a complex and high-risk environment, and our teams are working to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping everyone safe. The teams will be operating overnight until the search is complete.

"Our highest priority is in the Bay of Plenty operations. I’d like to acknowledge the families impacted by what’s happened. All our thoughts are with them tonight."

Callouts

From 1am Tuesday to 4pm Thursday, Fire and Emergency crews responded to 305 weather related callouts from Northland to the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti.

"We are demobilising our specialist water rescue teams from across the North Island where they were pre-positioned to support isolated communities ahead of the forecast severe weather.

"We ask people to avoid the Mount to allow emergency services to have the space to work safely," Megan Stiffler says.

There is still a high risk from further landslides in the weather affected areas. If you or anybody else is in a life-threatening situation, please call 111.

Mauao closure

Mauao (Mount Maunganui) is fully closed to the public until further notice due to large slips that have made the area unsafe.

Recent severe weather has significantly destabilised the maunga, creating an ongoing risk of further slips and falling debris.

Due to the heightened risk to public safety, all tracks, access points, and surrounding areas of Mauao are closed while the considerable damage is assessed. Fencing is being installed and secured at key entry points, with signage and barriers in place at all closure points to prevent public access. Security will also be present to monitor the closure and ensure public safety.

The closure will remain in place while conditions continue to be monitored, and any necessary remediation work is undertaken.