NewZealand NaturalHazards EmergencyResponse GeotechnicalRisk

Back-to-back fatal landslides strike Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand

Aerial view of storm damage to residential properties in Te Araroa following severe weather across New Zealand’s North Island, January 23, 2026. Source: Al Jazeera (image by Corey Fleming/Pool via Reuters)

Six people, including two teenagers, remain missing after a landslide struck a busy campsite at Mount Maunganui on New Zealand’s North Island, following days of intense rainfall. The landslide occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time on 22 January 2026, sending large volumes of saturated soil and debris onto a campground crowded with families during the summer holiday period. No fatalities have yet been confirmed at the campsite.

The incident took place in the coastal city of Tauranga, where steep terrain and prolonged rainfall combined to destabilise slopes above the site. Damaged caravans, vehicles, and collapsed ground remain partially buried within the debris field.

Emergency services have deployed significant resources to the site, including specialist rescue teams, contractors with heavy plant, and search dogs. According to the New Zealand Police, unstable ground conditions mean the search must proceed cautiously and could take several days. Fire and emergency officials confirmed that each section of excavated material is being checked methodically to minimise risk to responders.

Aerial view of excavation works and rescue operations underway at the affected campground. Source: Al Jazeera (image by TVNZ via Reuters)

Authorities have not detected signs of life since initial reports of voices were heard shortly after the landslide. Police are also attempting to account for several additional individuals believed to be international visitors who may not have been present at the time of the collapse.

The landslide was one of several triggered by heavy rain across the eastern North Island. A separate landslide in nearby Papamoa resulted in two fatalities. Civil defence authorities have warned that further slope failures remain possible as ground conditions stay saturated.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the site on Friday, pledging government support once the full extent of damage is assessed.