Two people have died and several others remain missing after landslides hit Welcome Bay and Mount Maunganui on New Zealand's North Island on Jan. 22. Rescue teams from police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand are conducting concurrent searches; the Mount Maunganui slide occurred around 9:30 a.m. and prompted the evacuation of a campsite. Authorities say children may be among the missing, and crews initially heard voices under the rubble. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the events a "profound tragedy" and praised emergency personnel and community volunteers aiding the response.
Two Dead and Several Missing, Including Children, After Devastating Landslides at Popular New Zealand Tourist Area
DJ MILLS / AFP via GettyEmergency workers close a road after a landslide hit Mount Maunganui in New Zealand on Jan. 22, 2026
Multiple people remain unaccounted for after powerful landslides struck homes and a campsite on New Zealand's North Island on Thursday, Jan. 22. Authorities confirmed two fatalities in the Welcome Bay area and launched an ongoing rescue operation after a separate slide descended from Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcanic dome famed for its beaches and walking tracks.
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the two rescue operations were "concurrently running," with police working alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand to locate and rescue anyone trapped after the Mount Maunganui landslide, which occurred at about 9:30 a.m. local time.
DJ MILLS / AFP via GettyA search is underway for missing people following the Mount Maunganui, New Zealand landslide
Police reported that a campsite at Mount Maunganui was evacuated and those who had been there were directed to the nearby Surf Club while emergency teams carried out searches. A separate release confirmed two deaths in Welcome Bay after a house was "extensively damaged by a landslide." The deaths have been referred to the coroner and police said they are supporting the bereaved families.
Missing People and Rescue Efforts
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told Radio New Zealand that a young girl was among those unaccounted for after the Mount Maunganui incident, and the broadcaster said other children may also be missing. Fire and Emergency commander William Pike said that first responders heard voices beneath the debris when they first arrived but had not detected further sounds since; crews are continuing systematic searches of the affected areas.
DJ MILLS / AFP via GettyOfficials are pictured at the scene following the Mount Maunganui, New Zealand landslide
The New Zealand Herald reported that up to nine people were unaccounted for, citing a source involved in the rescue effort, while police described the number of missing as "in the single figures." Officials stressed that numbers can change rapidly as searches progress and information is confirmed.
National Response and Community Support
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the events as a "profound tragedy," offering condolences to those who lost loved ones and to families still awaiting news of relatives. He praised emergency responders, local marae, the Defence Force and community volunteers for their efforts and said the government would support affected communities through response and recovery.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the landslide struck. Australian tourist Sonny Warrall told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that people were suddenly running and screaming while he was swimming near the site. Bay of Plenty police praised the bravery of officers and emergency staff involved in evacuations and rescue work, calling the incidents "one in 100 years events." Additional personnel were rostered overnight to support search and evacuation efforts.
Police and emergency agencies continue to coordinate searches and assist affected families. Authorities cautioned that information is evolving and urged people to follow official updates for the latest, verified details.
Help us improve.
