Following a coroner's identification hearing, the first victim has been formally identified by Deputy Chief Coroner Brigitte Windley.

Max Furse-Kee, who would have been 16 today, has been identified, and his body will now be returned to his family.

The deputy chief coroner accepted the primary form of identification as a comparison of post-mortem and ante-mortem dental records, which a forensic ondontology confirmed was a match.

The secondary form of identification included physical characteristics – his height, build and facial hair.

The deputy chief coroner stressed the risk of misidentification, but said she was satisfied the body, which had been given Disaster Identification Number 5057, was that of Max Furse-Kee.

She gave her "sincere condolences" to the family in "unimaginable circumstances", having noted that "sadly, today he would have turned 16".

'Millimetres at a time': Recovery teams from around NZ assist in Mount landslide effort

Search and Rescue, police and dog teams have poured into Mount Maunganui from around the country as the recovery operation continues.

Acting Bay of Plenty District Commander Inspector Will Loughrin said recovery teams were making good progress but still have days of work ahead of them.

"Police, supported by Urban Search and Rescue and contractor drivers, have reached the area where the ablution block was, and they are continuing the painstaking effort to gently dig through the slip," he said.

"The reason the work is so time consuming is because we are digging millimetres at a time. We can't rush this work, and we won’t rush it."

Staff from across New Zealand supporting operation

An estimated 70 police staff are involved in every recovery shift, with multiple districts sending officers and resources to assist, say police.

"There is an enormous amount of work and the people doing that delicate work inside the scene are just the tip of the iceberg," Loughrin said.

"Family liaison officers are in Tauranga to support families. There are staff inputting information, sorting logistics, carrying out interviews and reviewing footage from the public.

"Council, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, local iwi and businesses are also supporting  this recovery – there is an army of people who are focused on doing what they can to help and to support the families."

Loughrin praised everyone involved in the effort.

"They've put in massive hours, in very dynamic, exhausting conditions. People are getting tired, physically and mentally, but we're making sure they get the rest and support they need," he said.

"The work they have done is incredible, and they've done it with dignity and respect and I'm proud of them."

Emergency services at the scene of the evacuation near Mangatawa Marae yesterday. Photos / Cameron Avery

Tauranga state of emergency extended

The state of emergency declared for Tauranga following the recent severe weather has been extended until Tuesday, February 3.

Tauranga City Council said recovery operations and community support efforts are continuing across the city.

The council said it is working alongside partner agencies to ensure public safety, support affected residents, and maintain access to essential services.