Source: Radio New Zealand
More than 1000 people have attended a community vigil at Coronation Park in Tauranga on Thursday night in the wake of the Mt Maunganui landslide.
Families of the victims, having held another service with emergency services at the base of Mauao, were there with seats set aside for them.
Older members of the community were asked to sit in other sets next to the family seats as a show of support.
Several people said it was important for them to be here to support one another as well as victims’ families. Many described a heavy feeling since the landslide a week ago today.
RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
One woman came with black balloons with each of the victims’ names painted on in gold.
RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Te Wharekura o Mauao students performed Whakaaria Mai (How Great Thou Art) in both Maori and English, as while as many other songs.
Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale spoke at the vigil, and said the event had “changed our lives forever”.
“Navigating our cities through two tragedies has been a trying task,” he said.
“One week ago today, tragedy struck our city and changed our lives forever.
“We feel your grief deeply and hold you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.”
This evening, we gather to support one another, honour those whose lives were lost, he said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was next to speak and thanked everyone for their support for those hurting.
“I want to say to the families, New Zealand stands with you and grieves with you,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a karakia.
RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
What we know about the six victims of the Mt Maunganui slip
One of the victims of the deadly Mount Maunganui landslide was formally identified as Max Furse-Kee, on what would have been his 16th birthday.
At an identification hearing at Tauranga District Court on Wednesday evening, deputy chief coroner Brigitte Windley formally identified Furse-Kee after hearing evidence provided by Senior Constable Robert Stokes.
Max Furse-Kee one of the six victims of the Mount Maunganui landslide. Supplied
Stokes told the court his body was found on Monday, and detailed the forensic dental examination which determined his identity.
Furse-Kee’s body will now be released to his family.
On Thursday, another victim of the fatal landslide was formally identified as Måns Loke Bernhardsson, from Sweden.
At an identification hearing at Tauranga District Court this evening, coroner Louella Dunn formally identified the 20-year-old tourist.
The remaining victims of the landslide have been named as Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, and Sharon Maccanico, 15.
Only Furse-Kee and Bernhardsson have been formally identified.
Thousands donated to landslide victims’ families
Fundraising pages set up for some of the Mount Maunganui landslide victims’ families have raised thousands of dollars, with donors paying heartfelt tribute to those trapped by last week’s massive slip.
A Givealittle page set up by Maclennan’s sister had raised almost $13,000 within 13 hours for the Morrinsville teacher’s family.
Lisa Maclennan, 50, is one of six victims of a landslide at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park. Supplied / Givealittle
“She lost her life trying to save everyone else,” the page said.
“We cannot put a value on the loss of a loved one but any donations will make a difference and help this whanau through this extremely difficult time.”
A separate page has also been set up “In Loving Memory” of Furse-Kee, with $35,435 donated to the teenager’s family in less than 15 hours.
On Monday evening, about 100 people gathered at Auckland Domain to remember Maccanico, another Pakuranga College student and landslide victim.
Recovery efforts halted again over slip safety concerns
Rescue efforts at Mount Maunganui following the deadly slip were paused for a second time.
In a statement, police said work was temporarily suspended just after 10.30am on Thursday.
Recovery efforts resumed at 2pm, police said.
Work resumes at Mount Maunganui landslide on 26 January. RNZ/Nick Monro
It comes a week after the slip occurred, burying six people.
Technology that had been installed to monitor land movement was triggered and work suspended.
Detective Inspector Lew Warner said the safety of all staff working at the scene is front of mind.
Independent review ordered into landslide as iwi call for answers
Tauranga City Council has announced an independent review into the events leading up to Thursday’s landslide at the base of Mauao, as local iwi Ngāi Te Rangi say they are seeking a thorough investigation into the cause of the slip.
Drysdale and council chief executive Marty Grenfell confirmed the review last Friday, describing the landslide as an incident of “local, national and international importance”.
“The landslide and its impacts on those affected and their families clearly represents a serious and significant incident,” Drysdale said.
“It is important that we have a clear and accurate understanding of the facts and events leading up to the landslide, so that we can ensure that the future safety of the community is appropriately safeguarded.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
