The search at Mount Maunganui is moving to a "recovery phase" after human remains were found last night, police say.
Six people remain unaccounted for following Thursday’s landslide.
Speaking to media this afternoon, Bay of Plenty Superintendent Tim Anderson said it was "highly unlikely" more than six were dead as the three they had sought information on had been found.
He added there were "really strict parameters around those that are working on site right now" due to the unstable ground.
"It rained last night, it's just rained before."
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Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton shared her condolences for those families and friends who have lost loved ones.
She said human remains had been found at the site and were now in the custody of the coroner.
The deceased victims would now be transferred to the mortuary in Hamilton , where they would be kept until they can be reunited with families.
"This is an unimaginably terrible time for those people who have lost the people they love here at the campground," she said.
Luxon: 'Every New Zealander is grieving with you'
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said for three days since the landslide occurred, every New Zealander has been "hoping for a miracle".
"Today it is devastating to receive the news we have all been dreading," he said.
"To the families who have lost loved ones - every New Zealander is grieving with you."
He acknowledged the people who are continuing to work at the campground, along with first responders.
"Our focus now is on the recovery and on supporting those who are grieving the loss of their beloved family member."
Further slip disrupts search efforts
Earlier this morning, a further "partial" slip disrupted the ongoing search efforts.
Fire and Emergency NZ deputy national commander Megan Stiffler said the slip activity occurred at around 6pm on Friday in the northern sector.
"Personnel have not searched that area for their safety, but it is being continuously reassessed,” she said.
Twenty-five Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel and a further ten Fire and Emergency personnel were on site working closely with police, she said.
"Today, there is more heavy rain forecast which may present challenges for our operations. USAR teams will be informed by experts when they need to withdraw from the slip area for their safety, and when it is safe for them to return.
"Our thoughts remain with the families of the people unaccounted for."
Scientist cautions: 'little slips can turn into a very big one very quickly' - Watch on TVNZ+
Agencies today revealed six people were unaccounted for, the youngest aged 15. (Source: 1News)
Sweden's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to 1News that a Swedish national was "unaccounted for" following questions about whether any citizens were missing following the landslide in Mt Maunganui on Thursday.
Earlier, Drysdale slammed "idiotic behaviour" from some people attempting to breach the cordon at Mount Maunganui.
"We have had some idiotic behaviour, and there has been people trying to breach the cordon," he said in an update at 11.25am.
"We please ask for the community to stay away, and we thank most of the community who have done the right thing and let the rescue workers go and do their job."
He said it was "very much a rescue" operation.
"The workers are working 24/7 trying to bring the unaccounted for people home to their families."
Last night, Drysdale and council chief executive Marty Grenfell announced an independent review on all aspects leading up to Thursday’s landslide.
"The landslide and its impacts on those affected and their families clearly represents a serious and significant incident of local, national and international importance," 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 independent review was not intended to replace any other formal processes which may be initiated in due course, the mayor said.
"It is important to note that while we work to stand up this review, our immediate focus remains on supporting the families affected and those responsible for the rescue operation."
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