Source: Radio New Zealand

A friend of a woman killed in the Mt Maunganui landslide said her friend was on her annual summer camping trip with her long-time camping buddy.

Susan Knowles, 71, was one of the six named as buried under the rubble, along with her friend Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, also 71.

The pair went camping there together every summer, said Alison Holtom, a friend of Knowles for almost a decade, who came to lay flowers in her honour on Saturday evening.

“They stay here at the Mount, her and Jackie, for about a month every year,” Holtom said. “They rent a caravan every year as long as I’ve known her.”

• Latest live updates from Mt Maunganui

One year Holtom joined them for a night. She said she had many good times shared with Knowles, who she knew through horse riding.

“Sue was just an absolute delight… beautiful smile. Just the loveliest lady, honestly just the loveliest… she always greeted everyone, ‘How are you, blossom?’ That’s what she always said.”

Holtom said there were about six friends all from horse riding who were all shocked.

Flowers at the cordon. RNZ/Charlotte Cook

“Just unbelievable, I just couldn’t believe that you know that they’re involved with it and that yeah this could happen and has happened”.

Wheeler – from Rotorua – was the founder of Colour Concepts, an interior design store in the area. According to the Colour Concepts website, Wheeler and her husband Terry started the business in 2002 and their daughter was now a key member of their team.

Knowles, from Ngongotahā, was a property manager for EVES Real Estate. According to the EVES website, Knowles had a background of management and property ownership since her early 20s. It said she enjoyed horse riding and mountain biking, along with spending time with her close-knit family.

The other unaccounted for victims were Lisa Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville, Måns Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden, Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland and Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Authorities have evacuated some East Coast households from Onepoto and parts of Te Araroa, after significant landslide risks were identified.

The evacuations late on Saturday night were led by police and FENZ, and it is not yet clear when those affected will be able to return home, with geotech assessments needed first.

Meanwhile, searchers at the scene of the devastating Mt Maunganui landslide are now entering day two of what has been termed the recovery phase, following the announcement from officials that it is highly unlikely anyone would have survived.

On Saturday human remains were found at the site, and the six people believed to have been caught in the landslide were named by police.

Police also announced on Saturday evening that a body was found in the search for a missing driver who was swept away in a car in the Mahurangi River, near Warkworth, on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, repairs after storm damage are underway, and access to some Northland communities isolated since last Sunday has been restored.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

An evaluation of the Victim Assistance Scheme suggests victims are getting uneven access to funding based on their appearance.

The report points to perceptions among some police personnel that victims of minor offences may not be referred for the scheme and that how a person presents may influence decisions.

One police representative was quoted saying victims get uneven access depending on how they look, their history and whether they have criminal records.

“If they are well presented and come across as a stereotypical victim, officers are more likely to refer to support, including VAS,” the report said.

New Zealand’s chief victims advisor Ruth Money said that was terrible behaviour.

“It is racist, gender-biased, victim-blaming behaviour that the police are working hard to correct and certainly everyone in the justice system should be working hard to correct,” she said. “Every victim of crime deserves to receive victim-led responses, all of them. It doesn’t matter what they look like and how they are presenting.”

Money was calling for more training for frontline staff and said officers needed to be more aware of their biases.

“They need to be trained in being aware of their bias and certainly some additional work around how to refer and why everyone should be referred to the appropriate support service seems to be required given this finding.”

The report recommended introducing an automated referral system.

Police said they were strengthening the Victim Assistance Scheme referral process. In a statement, director of frontline enablement Ben Butterfield said police were focusing on faster and more consistent referrals for victims.

“This includes enhancing the accuracy and consistency of referrals, improving information sharing, and ensuring our frontline staff have the tools and guidance they need to connect victims with Victim Support at the earliest opportunity.

“Together with our partners, we remain committed to continuous improvement to strengthening access to support that help mitigate the impacts of crime.”

The Ministry of Justice said the evaluation showed the scheme was broadly equitable. Group manager provider and community services Hayley MacKenzie said recent changes had allowed the scheme to reach more people and increase support, and it was now considering further improvements, including clearer criteria and stronger referral pathways.

Victim Support said it was working with police and the Ministry of Justice to fix gaps in how victims received help. Chief executive James McCulloch said the evaluation provided clear direction on where improvements were needed in the system.

“We welcome this feedback and, alongside our partners, are actively taking steps to address the identified gaps. Together with our partners, we remain committed to continuous improvement to our services and strengthening access to supports that help mitigate the impacts of crime.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Temporary repairs to a washed-out bridge on Northland’s east coast have restored road access to an area largely cut off from the outside world since last Sunday.

The Ngaiotonga Bridge on Rāwhiti Road, east of Kawakawa, was reopened on Saturday after work by contractors, the Far North District Council said.

But motorists were told to only drive at a crawl over the bridge, until permanent repairs can be completed after the long weekend, a council spokesman said.

The reopening means residents of Ōakura, Punaruku and other settlements are now reconnected to the rest of Northland via Russell.

The route to Whangārei in the south, however, is still blocked by a massive slip at Helena Bay Hill, which is expected to take weeks to clear.

Much of the North Island was hit by severe storms this week, that brought heavy rain, flooding and landslides.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Temporary repairs to a washed-out bridge on Northland’s east coast have restored road access to an area largely cut off from the outside world since last Sunday.

The Ngaiotonga Bridge on Rāwhiti Road, east of Kawakawa, was reopened on Saturday after work by contractors, the Far North District Council said.

But motorists were told to only drive at a crawl over the bridge, until permanent repairs can be completed after the long weekend, a council spokesman said.

The reopening means residents of Ōakura, Punaruku and other settlements are now reconnected to the rest of Northland via Russell.

The route to Whangārei in the south, however, is still blocked by a massive slip at Helena Bay Hill, which is expected to take weeks to clear.

Much of the North Island was hit by severe storms this week, that brought heavy rain, flooding and landslides.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Evacuations are underway on the East Coast in Onepoto and parts of Te Araroa due to landslide risks.

It will involve around 30 houses, with people being relocated to stay with friends, family or someone within the community.

There is no indication on how long people may be out of their homes, or whether they will be able to return.

Tairāwhiti CDEM Group Controller Ben Green said significant landslide risk had been identified, but no geotech assessments had been completed.

“We need to be confident there is no risk to life and until this has been completed, they will not be returning.

“When we visited Te Araroa [on Friday] we saw evidence of landslides in close proximity to houses and the potential risk to life is too great, until we understand what the geotech assessments come back with.”

The evacuations are being led by Police and FENZ, supported by the community civil defence teams.

Mount Maunganui landslide

Remains of victims have been found at a campground in Mount Maunganui overnight.

Six people have been unaccounted for since Thursday, police released their names on Saturday afternoon.

Emergency services are moving to a recovery phase, from a rescue operation.

The remains are now in custody of the coroner.

They will be transported to a mortuary in Hamilton.

Severe weather watches for South

Strong winds and persistent rain are forecast to hit the lower South Island, with watches in place until Sunday.

Otago south of Alexandra, Oamaru and mainland Southland are under a heavy rain watch, while Coastal Otago, Southland from Dunedin to Bluff and Stewart Island are all under a strong wind watch.

MetService said winds could approach severe gale in exposed places

Follow the RNZ liveblog at the top of the page for the latest updates.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A body has been recovered from the Mahurangi River, police say, after a driver was swept away in a car on Wednesday morning.

Searchers, including whitewater raft teams and drone operators had been scouring the area, as several North Island regions struggled with severe rain, flooding, landslides and storms this week.

The body was recovered from the river on Saturday evening as part of the search, Waitematā Police Inspector Simon Walker said.

Formal identification was still underway, but police said they were confident it was a 47-year-old man from Kiribati who had been reported missing.

• Names of six Mt Maunganui landslide victims released by police

Fire and Emergency earlier said two people had been in the car and attempted to cross a ford through the flooded river when they got into trouble. The passenger was able to escape, and seek help.

“Family members have been informed and are being supported by police,” Walker said, and the man’s death was not believed to be suspicious.

Search teams scoured the river downstream from Falls Rd. RNZ / Finn Blackwell

The river search had been difficult, he said.

“Police would like to acknowledge and thank the many people and teams involved in the search over recent days, including Land Search and Rescue, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, other supporting agencies, and the many community members who assisted in challenging conditions.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A body has been recovered from the Mahurangi River, police say, after a man was swept away in a car on Wednesday.

Searchers, including whitewater raft teams have been scouring the area, which has been hit by heavy rain and storms this week.

The body was recovered from the river on Saturday evening as part of the search, police said.

Formal identification is still to be carried out, but police are confident it is the missing man.

More to come…

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Continued erosion at a closely-watched cliff means it is now almost touching a main sewer pipe on the Hutt River, forcing authorities into action.

After 15 years monitoring the cliff as it got worse, a $2m project has now begun to protect the pipe that carries all of Upper Hutt’s sewage south.

“We’ve reached a threshold where we’ve said we don’t want it to come any closer to the pipe now,” Wellington Water chief operating officer Charles Barker said.

The cliff had eroded to within about two metres of the pipe and just a few metres from the edge of State Highway Two at the popular Taita Rock swimming spot.

The pipe, originally buried over two metres below ground, under the cycleway at the top of the 6-7m-high cliff, was close to being exposed.

A manhole cover for the pipe was just a metre from the edge.

“The risk to the pipe is increasing, but there’s not an imminent risk that over the next year the river is going to be able to wash out that part,” Barker said.

The public “wouldn’t expect us to get to a point where there’s actually an imminent risk that the pipe is hanging by a thread before we took some action”.

A cycleway that runs above the pipe had to be moved three times, taking it closer and closer to the edge of SH2 now just 4-5m away.

Monitoring since 2010 showed slow erosion, and not big floods, was the threat to the pipe in the first place, but also the cycleway and highway.

Since 2022, the two local city councils, regional council and NZTA had been discussing what to do.

“All of these assets are affected, but while we’ve been trying to figure out how we come to some agreement about what we should do, Wellington Water and the Hutt City and Upper councils have decided that our tolerance for this risk is reduced and we would just like to make sure that our asset, which would be the asset that impacts the quality of the water in the Hutt River, doesn’t fail,” Barker said.

‘No one’s going to thank us if our pipe breaks’

“At the end of the day, we have to take responsibility for our pipe,” Barker said.

“No one’s going to thank us if our pipe breaks and we say that wasn’t our fault. We’re never going to let ourselves be in that position.”

The two local city councils were among those that own Wellington Water, and they were paying the $2m.

Swimming – people like to jump off the rock – would be able to carry on, Barker said.

Engineers were looking at how to protect the pipe short term, such as with mesh or a small retaining wall at the top of the cliff, while a long-term fix was sought.

“We want to buy ourselves enough time to make sure that what we do in that area, which is a really sensitive area and it’s really important to iwi, is appropriate,” Barker said.

“This is one of a number of risks that we have across all our networks and we need to take a prudent risk-based approach of where we place our money to mitigate what risks.

“And what I think is really heartening is that before this risk gets to an imminent point, our councils have funded the remediation.”

The pipe at Taita Rock also carried sewage from Manor Park and about half of Stokes Valley.

Hutt City Council said about $300,000 had been spent so far looking at short and medium-term options, with another $2m for the actual work earmarked for 2026-27.

“Further funding for the long-term solution will become the responsibility of Tiaki Wai, the new council-controlled water service provider” that begins operating in July, it said.

Upper Hutt City Council did not answer a question about exactly how much it would put in now or in future but said its agreement with Lower Hutt was to cover about 30 percent of the costs of maintaining trunk sewer mains.

“Collectively both councils work together to understand in advance what costs an annual basis will be but pragmatically have to reprioritise when the unexpected happens,” chief executive Geoff Swainson said in a statement.

Last year Wellington Water had to fix the sewer main beside SH2 a few kilometres further south at Melling in a $5m project to combat corrosion.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Two Auckland teenagers, a Swedish tourist and a Morrinsville teacher are among the people who remain unaccounted for following the landslide at Mt Maunganui.

At a press conference on Saturday, police said some remains of victims had been found overnight and six people were unaccounted following the slip at a popular campground.

Police released the names of those unaccounted for:

• Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville
• Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden
• Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua
• Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha
• Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland
• Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland

In a Facebook post Morrinsville Intermediate School identified victim Lisa Anne Maclennan as one of their staff members.

“It is with great sadness that we need to inform you that one of our staff members, Lisa Maclennan (our amazing Literacy Centre tutor), is one of the people trapped in the landslide at Mount Maunganui.”

“Our love and aroha go out to Lisa’s family; we ask that you respect their privacy at this very difficult time.”

Pakuranga College also identified both Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico were students at the school.

“Many members of the college have been deeply impacted by the news and we are working to support students and staff in the coming days and weeks.” the school said in a Facebook post.

“The wellbeing of our college community is paramount as the school year starts next week under incredibly sad circumstances.

“Parents have received an email this afternoon with advice and information for supporting their child/ren as they process this distressing event.”

Italian media reported that Sharon, was originally from a small town called Picarelli in the municipality of Avellino.

Avellino Today said the community had gathered in the town’s local church as they waited for news.

The names are only of those unaccounted for and not those who had been found as the Coroner said identifying remains of victims would be a lengthy process.

Search progresses in challenging terrain

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the operation was formally handed over to police by Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11.20am on Saturday.

“Search teams have been working through the slip layer by layer, but tragically it is now apparent that we will not be able to bring them home alive.”

He said they had informed the families of the news on Saturday morning.

Anderson said emergency services were in the early stages of investigating remains of victims and would not be releasing any information on what has been found or who they believe it could be.

“This afternoon, search teams, supported by contractors and machinery, are continuing to work through the debris, towards the amenities block.

“From what we have seen, the building suffered catastrophic damage and we are confronted with the reality that it is highly unlikely anyone would have been able to survive.

“The material that slipped from the mountain is sodden. It’s heavy and hit with massive force. The impact, movement and weight means this is an incredibly challenging scene to work through, and those involved are doing their jobs admirably and respectfully.

“This is heartbreaking news for the families and the dozens of people who have been working day and night, hoping for a positive outcome.

Coronial process

Responsibility for identifying the victims, along with other legal processes, was now passed to the Coroners Court and an internationally approved process for disaster victim identification (DVI) is being followed.

Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton reassured families and friends of victims that those who had died in the tragedy would treated with dignity but said the identification process could be “painstaking” and “complex” especially when people are severely injured

“Victims will be transported to the Hamilton mortuary, where any post mortem examinations required will be performed, and, with the assistance of Police and other specialists, coroners will determine the identity of the victims.

“I can’t say how long the identification process will take – but I give my absolute assurance that we will work very carefully – and as quickly as we can – to reunite families.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

An Italian town is waiting for news on a 15-year-old Italian girl, now living in Auckland, who is missing in the Mt Maunganui slip.

Sharon Maccanico, was originally from a small town called Picarelli in the municipality of Avellino.

RNZ understands her parents are at the scene.

Meanwhile, her Italian relatives have posted on Facebook asking their local community to pray at a church service with them in hope of a miracle.

Avellino Today reports that she is from a small town in Southern Italy called Picarelli.

The community gathered in the town’s local church as they waited for news of Sharon, with family nervously awaiting news from New Zealand, it reported.

She is widely known in the small community, it said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has confirmed that one Swedish citizen is unaccounted for in New Zealand.

It says it cannot comment further on this individual case due to consular confidentiality.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

State Highway 1 near Whangārei, is closed following a serious crash on Saturday afternoon.

Police were notified of a three-vehicle crash, between Oakleigh Rise and Mangapai Rd, at 2.20pm.

Police have said initial indicators are that there are serious injuries.

“The Serious Crash Unit has been advised, and the road is expected to be closed for some time while emergency services work at the scene.”

“Diversions are in place at the Maungakaramea Rd and State Highway 1 intersection, and the Mangapai Road and State Highway 1 intersection.”

Motorists were being advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Remains of victims have been found at a campground in Mount Maunganui overnight.

Police, Fire and Emergency, and Civil Defence have held a media stand-up this afternoon.

Six people have been unaccounted for since Thursday.

Emergency services are moving to a recovery phase, from a rescue operation.

The remains are now in custody of the coroner.

They will be transported to a mortuary in Hamilton.

The names of those found will be released to media this afternoon.

Follow the RNZ liveblog at the top of the page for the latest updates.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Remains of victims have been found at a campground in Mount Maunganui overnight.

Police, Fire and Emergency, and Civil Defence have held a media stand-up this afternoon.

Six people have been unaccounted for since Thursday.

Emergency services are moving to a recovery phase, from a rescue operation.

The remains are now in custody of the coroner.

They will be transported to a mortuary in Hamilton.

The names of those found will be released to media this afternoon.

Follow the RNZ liveblog at the top of the page for the latest updates.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A former army major is calling comments made by US President Donald Trump ill-informed and sensationalist.

Trump has angered allies, claiming NATO troops “stayed a little back” from frontlines in Afghanistan.

The comments have drawn ire from the likes of UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer, who labelled the remarks “insulting and frankly appalling”, urging the president to apologise, according to CNN.

Roughly a third of those Allied personnel killed during the war came from non-US forces, including 10 New Zealanders.

The UK joined the US in Afghanistan from 2001, after it invoked NATO’s collective defence clause following the 9/11 terror attacks.

More than 450 British soldiers were killed.

Former army major Simon Strombom is the managing director of the NZ Remembrance Army and served in Afghanistan.

He also received a Distinguished Service Decoration.

Strombom told RNZ that he commanded troops from NATO nations and found them exceptionally professional.

“I was heavily exposed to the professionalism and the challenges that the NATO, particularly British and the Canadian, troops had,” he said.

The comments were ill-conceived, Strombom said.

“What do you say, sensationalist comments to try and take a position that really is really ill-informed.”

Strombom said it would be hard for those who had lost loved ones in the conflict to hear those comments from a US president.

“I would be pretty upset if I had lost friends or a relative in those operations, particularly down in Kandahar,” he said.

“It’d be pretty hard for a family to have suffered such a loss and then to hear comments like that, just basically undermining the actual sacrifice of the families, it’s pretty poor form.”

Strombom said he had particular respect for British troops.

“I’ve always had a hell of a lot of respect for the discipline of British troops, and the professionalism of them, even down to their territorial army,” he said.

Trump hadn’t really understood the situation, Strombom said.

“The majority of the weight of the coalition headquarters, there were 48 countries in the headquarters we were in, America made up probably a quarter of those troops, but the rest of them were predominantly from NATO.”

Strombom doubted Trump would apologise for his comments.

‘Great pride’ in those deployed to conflict

Defence Minister Judith Collins said the country took great pride in the professionalism, courage, and commitment of all who served in Afghanistan.

“We responded to the call for assistance alongside our partners, and our people served willingly and with professionalism in challenging and often dangerous conditions,” she said.

“We continue to honour the memory of New Zealand Defence Force personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan, and we acknowledge the enduring loss felt by their families, friends, and colleagues.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The 15-year-old believed to be missing in the slip has been named as an Italian girl from Auckland.

Italian media are reporting her to be Sharon Maccanico, originally from a small town called Picarelli in the municipality of Avellino.

RNZ understands her parents are at the scene.

Meanwhile, her Italian relatives have posted on Facebook asking their local community to pray at a church service with them in hope of a miracle.

Avellino Today reports that she is from a small town in Southern Italy called Picarelli.

The community gathered in the town’s local church as they waited for news of Sharon, with family nervously awaiting news from New Zealand, it reported.

She is widely known in the small community, it said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has confirmed that one Swedish citizen is unaccounted for in New Zealand.

It says it cannot comment further on this individual case due to consular confidentiality.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Human remains have been found at a campground in Mount Maunganui overnight.

Police, Fire and Emergency, and Civil Defence have held a media stand-up this afternoon.

Six people have been unaccounted for since Thursday.

Emergency services are moving to a recovery phase, from a rescue operation.

The remains are now in custody of the coroner.

They will be transported to a mortuary in Hamilton.

The names of those found will be released to media this afternoon.

Follow the RNZ liveblog at the top of the page for the latest updates.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A search is continuing for a missing man who was swept downstream after falling from a boat in the Bay of Plenty town of Ōpōtiki.

Police were called to the Waioeka River at about 5.30pm on Friday after reports of the incident.

Emergency services carried out a search of the area and found the vessel nearby.

Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, said police resumed the search Saturday morning in the Waioeka River near the junction with Waiata Stream.

Police said they were continuing to support the man’s family.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a woman in the Clutha settlement of Crichton, while another person remains in a critical condition.

Emergency services were called to a property on Adams Flat Road at about 6.10pm on Friday, after reports of a “serious incident”.

Detective Sergeant Hayden Smale said a woman died at the scene, while a man was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

A scene guard remains in place at the address as police conduct a scene examination.

Police said there is not believed to be any risk to the public, but residents can expect an increased police presence in the Crichton area.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

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.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale and council chief executive Marty Grenfell confirmed the review on 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.”

The slip came down at about 9.30am on Thursday at the Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui, smashing into campervans, tents, vehicles and an ablution block near the Mount Hot Pools.

Police said six people, including two teenagers, remain missing, while they are seeking information on the whereabouts of three others believed to be overseas tourists.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and police continue to treat the operation as a rescue, with specialist Urban Search and Rescue teams working in what authorities have described as an unstable and high-risk environment.

Drysdale said the scope of the independent review, who would lead it, and the timeframe for delivering findings were still being worked through.

“Given the gravity of this tragic situation, it’s important that a person with the requisite skills, experience, and level of public trust is selected,” he said.

Key aspects of the review would include establishing and reviewing all relevant facts in the lead-up to the landslide, he said, but it would not replace any other formal processes that may be initiated.

“This review is about establishing the facts independently, given the scale and seriousness of this event,” Drysdale said.

“As council, on behalf of the families and the whole community, we need to understand the facts and ensure that in the lead-up to this tragedy, everything was done that was appropriate in the circumstances.”

He said the council’s immediate focus remained on supporting affected families and those involved in the rescue operation.

Ngāi Te Rangi deputy chief executive Roimata Ah Sam said the iwi was heartbroken by the tragedy and had sent prayers and thoughts to those still missing.

“We hope everybody will be found alive and well.”

Ah Sam acknowledged the work of emergency services and said the iwi was deliberately staying clear of the site to allow responders to do their jobs.

“Everybody should be immensely proud of the fire service, police and the Civil Defence,” she said.

However, she said Ngāi Te Rangi expected a full investigation into the cause of the landslide.

“There has been a lot of work done on Mauao,” Ah Sam said.

“So, we look forward to a thorough investigation into why this occurred. And we look forward to working alongside authorities to rebuild our maunga.”

Police District Commander Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson has said the number of people unaccounted for remains in single figures, and that police would reassess “day by day” when the operation may shift from rescue to recovery.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell said the risk of further slips was a “massive consideration”, noting geoscientists were on site and nearby facilities had been evacuated as a precaution.

A wide cordon remains in place around the mountain, which is closed to the public, and a rāhui has been imposed. Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to stay away from the area to allow rescue teams to work safely.

The council review is expected to examine warnings, land stability, and any actions taken before the landslide.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lessons learnt during Cyclone Gabrielle three years ago have proved invaluable for marae on Northland’s east coast, leading the response to last week’s massive storm.

Marae were the first port of call for stranded travellers and evacuated locals, as well as a source of kai and power for communities cut off from the outside world.

One of the most isolated places was Punaruku, which was cut off by flooding and a washed-out bridge to the north, and a large slip just to the south of the settlement.

That meant Punaruku residents couldn’t even get to Ōakura, which also remains largely cut off but at least has a well-stocked shop.

The slip was cleared on Friday afternoon, and work to reinstate Ngaiotonga Bridge – delayed because ongoing slips stopped contractors from reaching the site – is now underway.

Paora Glassie, Civil Defence lead for Punaruku’s Ōtetao Reti Marae, said the marae had undergone a major upgrade since Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.

That included a solar power system, an improved water supply, shipping containers stocked with emergency equipment, and even an automated weather station to keep tabs on rainfall.

Glassie said a few homes in the settlement suffered damage from te mana o te āwhā (the power of the storm), but the real challenge was the isolation.

“Just being able to get in and out was difficult. We had flooding at one end, which stopped the north end whānau from going through, and we had a slip at the south side, which stopped whānau getting necessities from the shop.”

On the first night of the storm, 60 whānau members from Auckland were in the area for a hura kōhatu (unveiling), with the gathering supposed to take place on Sunday at the Ōakura Community Hall.

The hall tables had been set, and the fridges stocked with food, when a slip smashed through the back wall of the building and filled it with mud, trees and debris.

Glassie said the whānau ended up staying at the marae for two days, and were able to head home between the storm’s two peaks.

He said Punaruku had about 150 residents, including many elderly and people with serious medical conditions.

The marae had provided them with food and was compiling a list of medications to be picked up in Whangārei, which was normally a 50km or one-hour drive south.

Glassie said the marae had received great support from Ngātiwai Trust Board and the Whangārei district and Northland regional councils.

That included deliveries of food brought in over an emergency “lifeline” road cleared by council contractors in recent days.

Ōtetao Reti Marae’s “Auntie Trish”, who is also a member of the local Civil Defence group, described the rain as “horrendous”.

She said marae volunteers had opened the doors to anyone who needed help, delivered food parcels and carried out welfare checks of as many people as they could.

“We’re just here to manaaki [look after] anybody who needs some supplies, or needs support and a hug. I’m really good at hugging.”

She said the marae had enough food stored in its emergency containers for the first two big meals, and after that, Ngātiwai Trust Board had delivered two big bundles of food.

“People are still coming now, because they’ve stuck, they’ve got no toilets, they’ve got no supplies because they can’t get in and out,” she said.

“We’re just here manning the marae for anyone who wants to come, we’ve got a warm bed, we’ve got food, and like I said, hugs.”

Whangārei primary school teacher Katerina Linton, who lives opposite the marae, said the storm did not damage her home but left her “doomy, gloomy and anxious”.

She was also upset by the damage to the community hall and for people who had lost their homes in Ōakura.

She had been to the marae for a shower during the storm, but mostly she went for the whanaungatanga (kinship or connection).

“The generosity of this little community is amazing, the way everyone pulled together to help people trapped here.”

Another Punaruku resident, Maureen Hing, said locals did not sit back and wait for help to arrive.

When diggers and trucks were unable to reach the area, about a dozen young men from Punaruku and Mokau got to work clearing slips with chainsaws and shovels.

“They just wanted to get out here and check on us, and bring things over for the marae.”

The young men cleared enough of the slips to create a four-wheel-drive track over the top.

A digger finished the job on Friday.

Paora Glassie said summer downpours were not unusual in Punaruku, but he believed climate change was making storms more intense.

“I don’t [know] what the answer will be to that, but I suppose making sure each marae and each community has a Civil Defence readiness plan in place, and they have the basic essentials ready, like generators and fuel, for whatever the weather throws at us,” he said.

“It also means we all must come together as a unit so we can overcome this challenge, and get ready for the next event … It might be next year, next month, or next week.”

Punaruku recorded the heaviest rainfall in Northland during the storm.

Regional council figures show intensities of about 80mm an hour between 3am and 5am on Sunday, 18 January.

On average, most places in Northland get around 80mm of rain during the entire month of January.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A lawyer who helps people with ACC claims says the agency’s plan to get its finances in order appears to be a social licence to remove people from the long-term claims pool.

ACC is trying to avoid a $26 billion dollar deficit by 2030.

The agency said it would hire nearly 300 more claims management staff, with a focus on getting non-serious injury clients back to work or independence.

Lawyer and advocate Warren Forster said data for the last five years shows only 10 percent of people taken off long-term claims returned to work.

“It’s not only going to cost ACC more, it’s going to cost taxpayers more and it’s going to transfer the long term cost of injury to society and the whole purpose of ACC is to reduce that cost.”

He said people who could not return to work who were removed from the long-term claims pool instead sought benefits or support from family.

“Once someone’s been off work for two years it’s very difficult to get that person back to work for a while variety of reasons.”

Forster said the agency had made hundreds of people redundant over the years.

“ACC spent 20 years training and developing fantastic people who were really good at rehabilitation. Then they invented this new computer system, they spent $1 billion on it and fired nearly all of them.

“Now they’re saying they’re going to bring in 300 and it’s going to solve it, absolutely not.”

ACC exited more than 8000 long-term clients in the year to June 2025 and planned to exit 11,000 more by June 2026, using AI to help decide which long-term claimants should go back to work.

The cull came as ACC’s rehabilitation performance was in decline, with more people getting injured and taking longer to recover.

With looming debts and liabilities on its books, ACC Minister Scott Simpson instructed his agency to reduce the number of people receiving compensation for more than a year, which was about 25,000 – the highest it had ever been.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A lawyer who helps people with ACC claims says the agency’s plan to get its finances in order appears to be a social licence to remove people from the long-term claims pool.

ACC is trying to avoid a $26 billion dollar deficit by 2030.

The agency said it would hire nearly 300 more claims management staff, with a focus on getting non-serious injury clients back to work or independence.

Lawyer and advocate Warren Forster said data for the last five years shows only 10 percent of people taken off long-term claims returned to work.

“It’s not only going to cost ACC more, it’s going to cost taxpayers more and it’s going to transfer the long term cost of injury to society and the whole purpose of ACC is to reduce that cost.”

He said people who could not return to work who were removed from the long-term claims pool instead sought benefits or support from family.

“Once someone’s been off work for two years it’s very difficult to get that person back to work for a while variety of reasons.”

Forster said the agency had made hundreds of people redundant over the years.

“ACC spent 20 years training and developing fantastic people who were really good at rehabilitation. Then they invented this new computer system, they spent $1 billion on it and fired nearly all of them.

“Now they’re saying they’re going to bring in 300 and it’s going to solve it, absolutely not.”

ACC exited more than 8000 long-term clients in the year to June 2025 and planned to exit 11,000 more by June 2026, using AI to help decide which long-term claimants should go back to work.

The cull came as ACC’s rehabilitation performance was in decline, with more people getting injured and taking longer to recover.

With looming debts and liabilities on its books, ACC Minister Scott Simpson instructed his agency to reduce the number of people receiving compensation for more than a year, which was about 25,000 – the highest it had ever been.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

• High Commission offers more information to NZ-based Brits on rules for their children
• UK migrants report on passport processing times
• Emergency passports are possible, but have conditions

British citizens living in New Zealand will have to get UK passports for their children before they can fly there – as they are automatically citizens, authorities say.

The British High Commission has provided more information to dual-national travellers, who have said they were blindsided by new rules around travelling back to the UK. Similar rules will also come into force for Irish New Zealanders.

In a month’s time, anyone classed as a British citizen will need a UK passport to fly there – but citizenship status rules are complex.

Likely to add to travellers’ worries, the Wellington-based High Commission has also said it cannot provide timeframes for how long passport processing takes.

For families due to travel soon, many are learning for the first time that automatic citizenship for their children – considered a positive in the recent past because of access to visa-free travel in the EU, and long trips to Britain – now means getting passports urgently or risk not being able to fly.

“For those who are already British citizens automatically, for example through birth or descent, but who have never applied for a passport, the requirement is the same,” said the High Commission. “If they are British citizens, they cannot use an ETA and will need a British passport (or Certificate of Entitlement) to travel to the UK from 25 February 2026.”

It has advised anyone unsure about their citizenship to check online.

“For those who are already British citizens automatically, for example through birth or descent, but who have never applied for a passport, the requirement is the same,” a spokesperson said in a written statement.

“They are not eligible for an ETA as they are not classed as visitors and already have an automatic right of entry to the UK. That right must be evidenced by travelling on a British or Irish passport, or on another passport with a Certificate of Entitlement. This applies regardless of the length or purpose of travel.

“There is no alternative mechanism within the ETA system for British or Irish citizens, including dual nationals, because the ETA is designed specifically for people who require permission to enter the UK, rather than those who already have a right of entry.”

Passport delivery times

Anyone who has had a British passport or is entitled to have one and plans to travel to the UK should apply as early as possible, the spokesperson said.

“Processing times for UK passports from New Zealand can vary depending on application type and demand, and there is no guaranteed expedited timeframe for overseas applications.”

British dual citizens told RNZ they have applied and found the expense unpalatable, but the service times efficient.

One woman sent away for two passports on 15 January.

“Just a little bit of info that might ease some very stressed travellers around the new UK passport requirements,” she said. She and her husband both had UK passports – and his had expired.

She was told on Tuesday that her forms had arrived in the UK, and on Friday that they were issued and being sent back – that part could take three weeks, she added.

“If it does take that long, it means we will have received passports in four weeks from application. So this gives people time if their travel is in six weeks.”

Others reported delays – not in passport issuing, but mailing.

“Not helped by NZ Post!” one man reported. “Passport docs couriered from Parnell at 10.54am 15 Jan at cost of $62. Left Auckland 8.34am 20 Jan!! Still no sign of arrival in the UK.”

Sending NZ passports, emergency passports

Some were desperate at the unforeseen obstacle of needing a new passport so quickly, when they had planned to fly to the UK with their New Zealand passport.

“We haven’t been able to take our family home in 10 years, and will not be able to get a passport for kids before then, and cannot afford to rebook for a very long time,” said one woman, who has flights booked in six weeks’ time.

“I cannot get hold of anyone from the embassy and at a loss as what to do.”

Internal Affairs stresses that information suggesting the UK Passport Office can cancel a New Zealand passport – sent to it as part of verification for a new British passport – is incorrect.

“The UK Passport Office has no power to cancel a NZ passport. Only the New Zealand Minister of Internal Affairs has authority to recall New Zealand passports.”

UK government websites detail how its embassies can issue emergency passports, and under what circumstances. That, too, has some potential caveats.

“If you have not had a passport issued on or after 1 January 2006, you’ll usually need to apply for a UK passport instead of an emergency travel document,” it says. Not every country will accept a traveller who is using an emergency passport.”

There are exceptional circumstances cited, for when an emergency passport could nonetheless be issued.

You can apply online and find out more.

“An emergency travel document lets you travel from abroad if you need to travel urgently and cannot use your UK passport,” it says. “It is usually only valid for one single or return journey. You can travel through a maximum of five countries.”

You can apply for an emergency travel document if all the following apply:

• You’re a British national;
• You’re outside the UK;
• You need to travel within six weeks;
• Your UK passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, is full, has recently expired or is with HM Passport Office or a foreign embassy;
• You cannot renew or replace your UK passport from abroad before you travel;
• You have had a valid UK passport that was issued on or after 1 January 2006.

The exceptional circumstances listed include a close relative’s funeral or urgent medical treatment.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

It will take weeks of work to clear part of State Highway 35 on the East Cape where a “massive landslide” collapsed the road down the hill.

The section in Punakaru, near Te Araroa Camp and on the way to Hicks Bay, was one of multiple hit in the ferocious storm which ripped across the North Island this week.

It’s the biggest challenge the area faces following the storm, NZTA regional manager for maintenance and operations Rua Pani said.

“There has been a landslide, and it has completely overrun the road and collapsed State Highway 35 down the hill.

“The recovery job for this one is a big one. This is not days of work, this is weeks of work, to clear that slip.”

Despite the size of the landslide, Pani said she believed the road was fixable.

It meant coastal communities between Pōtaka near Hicks Bay and Tikitiki remained cut off. Crews were working to reopen access either side of Hicks Bay, Pani said.

NZTA estimated about 500,000 cubic metres of material would need to be removed across the whole of State Highway 35, with multiple other slips along the route.

That included another large slip at Hicks Bay which swept across the state highway and into the motel lodge.

A chef at Hicks Bay Motor Lodge said water was still flowing down from the 200-square-metre slip on Friday afternoon.

Pani said Taurangakoau Bridge over Mangaowira Stream had partially washed away, with work underway to secure contractor access across the bridge.

She urged people to be cautious about driving in the open sections of State Highway 35, where workers were still clearing debris, trees and culverts.

“If you don’t need to travel up there it’s not a good idea to go tiki-touring to have a look. It is still a construction zone.”

State Highway 2, between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki through the Waioeka Gorge, was still closed – forcing a long detour through Napier, and State Highway 5 to Taupō for those heading north, Rua said.

“We do acknowledge that detour is really problematic for the community, for businesses, for freight, which is why we are working really hard to reopen state highway 2 at Waioeka, to reopen that link.”

State Highway ‘critical lifeline’ for communities

Tash Wanoa, Te Araroa civil defence co-ordinator, said State Highway 35 is a “critical lifeline roading network” for communities on the East Cape.

“It’s what connects us to health services, lifeline utilities and supplies like Pak’n Save, supermarkets, even fuel, gas, generators, we need State Highway 35 to survive.”

Te Araroa was cut off right now – and Wanoa said she was hoping access would be restored soon.

She said once State Highway 35 on both ends reopened, Hicks Bay residents would have the option to go to Ōpōtiki, and Te Araroa residents could go to Gisborne.

But Wanoa said the Hicks Bay and Te Araroa communities were closely connected, with Hicks Bay needing Matakoa Health Centre, in Te Araroa, for health services and fuel.

The volunteer fire brigades also worked together, and Te Araroa would now have to access St John services from Ruatoria, about 30-45 minutes away on a good day.

“It’s really critical that that hill is reinstated, so that we can key lifelines in.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Search teams are still trying to find six people who are believed to be buried under a landslide in Mt Maunganui following this week’s devastating storms.

Emergency services are also trying to track down three other people who may have been at the campsite at the time the landslide hit.

An independent review into “all aspects leading up to” the landslide had been ordered on Friday, Tauranga mayor Mahé 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.”

Work was underway to determine the review’s scope, what expertise was needed and the timeframe for delivery.

Follow the RNZ liveblog at the top of the page for the latest updates.

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