The mother of a 15-year-old victim of the Mt Maunganui landslip says he was a "beautiful human being".
Max Furse-Kee from Auckland was one of the six victims and was a student at Pakūranga College, along with another one of those unaccounted for at the site.
Police have released a statement on behalf of Max’s mum and family to the media.
"My love for Max is impossible to explain, no words are big enough to describe this love or loss. What I can say is from the moment I first looked at his beautiful blue eyes almost 16 years ago he had my whole heart, he was my sunshine," the statement read.
"Max was an incredible, kind, and beautiful human being. He was a wonderful son, a devoted big brother, grandson, nephew, friend, teammate, and boyfriend.
"He was such a good kid, and he is so deeply loved. Max was incredibly close to his family, and the bond we shared with him meant everything to us.
"He brought so much joy, laughter, and light into our lives every single day.
"His incredible friends and his girlfriend meant the world to him, and the love, happiness, and sense of belonging they gave him brought him so much joy.
"Life without Max is impossible to imagine. In truth, all of this feels impossible to imagine.
"We are endlessly proud of who he is and that he is ours.
"This week Max would have turned 16.
"A 'milestone' birthday and something we were all looking forward to celebrating.
"Just days ago, my biggest fear was him getting his driver’s licence.
Flowers, kai and words of support have been given in the days after a landslide at Mount Maunganui which has left six people unaccounted for. (Source: 1News)
"How I wish now that he could have experienced the joy of driving, and so many other moments that growing up brings.
"Our lives have changed so suddenly and so completely, we will never be the same.
"We would like to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support. They mean more to us than we can ever express.
"We also want to sincerely thank the entire team working at Mauao.
"We have been cared for with extraordinary kindness, compassion, and humanity.
"With tears in their eyes they have updated us, sat with us, fed us. They have searched for hours on end and continue to work tirelessly to bring our baby home to us.
"Our hearts are also with the families who are waiting for their loved ones with us.
"We share this grief with you, and we are holding you close in our thoughts during this unimaginably painful time.
"Max will always be loved, always be ours, and always be remembered.
"Love you 100 Max."
Police said Max's family would not be providing further comment and asked the media to respect their privacy as they grieved.
Meanwhile, Sharon Maccanico, a 15-year-old based in Auckland, was one another victim in the landslide. She also attended Pakūranga College in East Auckland.
The Identity Dance Company paid tribute to her in a post on Facebook.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of a beautiful soul from our dance community.
"Sharon Maccanico was an incredible presence — wildly talented, kind, and so deeply loved.
"She has been part of the I-DEVELOP family for many years and a familiar face in our weekly ID classes.
"She was a huge part of the community and known across Auckland for her kindness, support, and dedication to showing up wherever dance was happening.
"Her energy, spirit, and light will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with her loved ones and with everyone in the community who is feeling this loss. Rest in love, beautiful girl."
Recovery work halted due to concerns about slip
Police said recovery work was halted at 11.50am as a precaution at Mt Maunganui.
"Geotechnical experts are assessing the area and teams will resume work as soon as they are cleared to do so," said Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Tim Anderson.
"Delays like this are frustrating but the safety of everyone supporting the recovery effort is paramount. We will resume our search as soon as possible."
Further information would be released when it becomes available, Anderson added.
Six people remain unaccounted for after a major landslide at a campground in Mt Maunganui on Thursday morning.
Police have announced the search will be moving to a "recovery phase" after human remains were found.
Tauranga's council has also ordered a review into "all aspects leading up to" the landslide.
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