Source: Radio New Zealand
Colin McGonagle, front left, with friends at Side Track cafe in Mount Maunganui. RNZ / Lauren Crimp
There’s been a small glimmer of positivity in Mount Maunganui with part of the cordon near Mauao relaxed, allowing about a dozen businesses to reopen six days after the deadly landslide.
But just a few hundred metres around the corner, the recovery effort to find those buried continues – and that continues to weigh heavily on locals’ hearts.
By 7am on Wednesday, a table of 20 had already parked up at Side Track cafe on Marine Parade which has now reopened to pedestrians.
Colin McGonagle was one of them.
“This group of people here, they call us regulars, we’re almost family, we come down here every morning … we trickle in, we make up our table, it’s got the big reserved on it, they know who we are.”
The cordon in Mount Maunganui following the deadly landslide is covered in tributes for the people who lost their lives. RNZ / Lauren Crimp
McGonagle was emotional about the return to the daily routine he’s held since 1999. But there was something missing – the walk around or up the maunga, which usually precedes the coffee.
“It’s our church, it’s our religious moment here, for people it’s their healing … Maree down there, she gets to the top, she always talks to her dad who’s passed. r4
“They’ve all got stories and unfortunately, the DNA of us is a little bit changed.”
Through tears, McGonagle said the six people killed and their families would be in their hearts forever.
“We’ll never forget them.”
Side Track cafe owner Mike Waghorn had too put his business closure into perspective.
“We’ve just lost some business, but people have lost lives.”
But he was still worried about the future of his cafe, and being able to pay his staff.
Side Track cafe owner Mike Waghorn. RNZ / Lauren Crimp
The money he makes in January helps the cafe survive through winter, and he’s not expecting nearly as many patrons now.
“All our business comes from the hot pools, the campground, the surf club, walking around the Mount.
“All that’s gone now, and looks like it’s gone for the rest of the year at least.”
A few doors down, Coffee Club owner Janet Kim – who’s already had a staff member resign, anticipating the lack of hours – wanted Tauranga City Council to step up.
Coffee Club owner Janet Kim. RNZ / Lauren Crimp
“Somebody [has] to be brave, to make a decision, and just release the funds … helping shop owners pay the staff,” she said.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the council was considering how it might support affected businesses, and would be meeting with them to discuss that.
Locals have committed to backing them, too.
Customers Stacey Jones and Emily Bailey were enjoying their morning cuppa at Mount Break Cafe after a bike ride, which is part of their regular routine.
“For the whole community, it’s just a horribly sad time … just to come and support these guys, it means a lot to us. [It’s a] special place for all of us,” Bailey said.
“I just feel really grateful to be able to come down, and then just really happy for the vendors that they can reopen, big smile on his face this morning … it’s been a tough time,” Jones said.
RNZ / Lauren Crimp
The community was also doing its best to be there for those who lost loved ones in the landslide.
The pile of flowers at the cordon stretches wider and deeper each day, and pieces of plywood are crammed with condolences.
One reads: “There are no words, just love, to heal your heartbreak.”
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
