Two people have been confirmed to have died after a slip "extensively damaged" a house on Welcome Bay Rd in Pāpāmoa.
Police were told the slip had "extensively damaged a house" around 4.15am on Thursday. A number of houses in the area were evacuated.
In an update shortly before 8.30pm on Thursday, police confirmed two bodies had been recovered from the home this evening.
"Police are working to support their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time," a police spokesperson said in a statement.
The deaths had been referred to the coroner.
'Heavy with grief' — Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the recent weather events "a profound tragedy, claiming lives and devastating livelihoods".
"My thoughts this evening are with the families who have lost loved ones, and with those whose family members remain unaccounted for," he said in a post on X.
"These losses are deeply shattering, and New Zealand is heavy with grief.
"The rescue effort continues, and the Government stands with affected communities during this response, and we will continue to stand with them throughout the recovery ahead."
Luxon thanked first responders, the Defence Force, local marae and "many everyday Kiwis have put themselves in harm's way to support their fellow New Zealanders".
"Amid this tragedy, we have once again seen the very best of New Zealand.
"On behalf of the country, thank you."
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell said it was "with a heavy heart that I send my thoughts and condolences to the family that have lost two of their loved ones in the Welcome Bay slip".
"Our thoughts as a country are with you," he said on X.
"Thank you to teams that worked so hard to recover them, I know how you will be feeling."
MP for Bay of Plenty Tom Rutherford said he was "deeply saddened" of the pair's deaths.
"My heart aches for their whānau and loved ones, who are facing unimaginable grief right now. Police are providing support to them during this heartbreaking time," he said on social media this evening.
"To our tireless first responders, police, Fire and Emergency, search teams, and all involved, thank you for your courage and dedication in such harrowing conditions. You are our community’s backbone.
"Please continue to respect closures, stay safe, and support one another. Kia kaha, Tauranga."
'My deepest sympathy' — Hipkins
In a statement this evening, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said his thoughts were with "all those who have been affected by the extreme weather events that have hit New Zealand in the past few days".
"My deepest sympathy goes to those who have lost loved ones or are still waiting for news, and to everyone who has been forced from their homes or injured," he said.
"Events like these take a real toll, and no one should have to face them alone.
"Climate change means we are seeing far more of these tragic events, and I want to acknowledge the very real stress and strain this is placing on so many of our communities."
Hipkins thanked first responders and the wider community who were "stepping up to help".
"In times like these, we see the very best of us.
"Kia kaha, New Zealand. Stay strong. Stick together."
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark said she was "devastated to hear" of the impact the severe weather had on the people reported dead or missing, as well as those who had lost their homes and livelihoods.
"Thinking of everyone impacted by this disaster," Clark wrote on X.
'Support one another'
Police were notified that the slip had "extensively damaged a house" at around 4.15am. (Source: 1News)
Fire and Emergency NZ's specialist search and rescue team had been involved in the response.
Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said the team had been carefully removing layers of debris and narrowing down an area of focus.
"This is a complex and high-risk environment, and our teams are working to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping everyone safe. The teams will be operating overnight until the search is complete," she said.
A planned hour-long strike by the NZ Professional Firefighters Union at noon tomorrow was cancelled in the wake of the weather events.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the two people reportedly recovered deceased from the home hit by the Welcome Bay landslide," the union said in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with the families of those reported as missing after a landslide hit the Mount Maunganui Holiday Park and a driver of a car was swept away north of Auckland. We stand with New Zealanders waiting for news as Urban Search and Rescue teams continue to work through the night."
Hato Hone St John said it was notified at 4.10am, responding with three ambulances and an operations manager. Crews treated two patients in a moderate condition and assessed three people in a minor condition at the scene.
Anderson urged members of the public to avoid the area and give emergency services space to work safely.
A number of roads in the Bay of Plenty have been closed, with police advising the public to avoid all unnecessary travel.
He commended the bravery of staff involved in the response, as well as the response to a slip later in the morning at a Mount Maunganui campsite.
“We have already seen countless examples over the last 24 hours of police staff putting their lives at risk to protect members of the public through evacuations," he said.
“This community is a very tight-knit community, and now more than ever, we need to band together to support one another."
“Police are offering ongoing support to those impacted by the weather, and will continue to provide necessary support for the community.”
SHARE ME