by Derek Johnstone for cvnznews.com
Recovery efforts at Mount Maunganui continue to move slowly but steadily, with Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale confirming that the operation remains complex and could still take weeks to complete.
Speaking from the Marine Parade cordon, Drysdale said new specialist equipment had reduced the risk to workers, but the scale of the slips and the instability of the ground meant progress would remain cautious.
“We’re hoping the weather holds, but even in the best conditions this will take days into weeks,” he said.
Drysdale acknowledged the Government’s latest announcements, including an additional $1.2 million for mayoral relief funds and confirmation of an independent inquiry into the events leading up to the fatal landslide.
“We’ll continue working closely with the Government to make sure our processes don’t overlap unnecessarily,” he said.
A community gathering is being organised for Thursday evening at Mount Maunganui to mark one week since the tragedy. Emergency service workers involved in the response will be invited, and parts of the city are expected to reopen as cordons gradually shift back.
“Our community is grieving. This gathering is a chance to honour those we’ve lost and acknowledge the incredible work of our responders,” Drysdale said.
He urged the public to respect police operations still underway.
“Please allow police the space they need to return loved ones to their families. Many are still in deep grief.”
Businesses inside the cordon continue to face significant financial strain, with some reporting losses of thousands of dollars per day. The council is assessing ways to support affected operators and help them reopen as soon as possible.
Drysdale also confirmed that many tracks on the maunga have suffered extensive damage from multiple slips.
“It’s a treasured place for our community, but until police complete their work, we can’t begin assessing what repairs will be required.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reiterated today that the Government’s independent inquiry will be wide‑ranging and focused on establishing clear facts.
He also addressed public commentary surrounding the tragedy, including racially charged remarks circulating online and in some community discussions.
Luxon said such comments were “not helpful, not accurate, and not acceptable,” urging New Zealanders to avoid division at a time when families and communities are hurting.
“This is a moment for compassion and unity, not blame or racial tension,” he said. “People are grieving. Let’s support them and let the investigation do its job.”
