The Chiefs and Fijian Drua rugby teams have come together at Mt Maunganui to pay their respects to the region and people affected by the recent landslide tragedy.
The two teams, who play a Super Rugby Pacific pre-season match at Blake Park, Mt Maunganui, on Friday afternoon, gathered on the beach in front of the Mount and sang a karakia.
Six people died after a landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, smashing into campervans, tents, vehicles and an ablution block last Thursday morning.
The landslide was prompted by constant rain in the area, with many other areas of the North Island also hit by the bad weather.
In total, nine people have died and one person remained missing.
Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson said: “We just wanted to acknowledge what happened here and pay our respects. Obviously, it’s a terrible tragedy. To the people who have lost love ones – we feel for you.
“There are plenty of boys here from Bay of Plenty who play here and reside here. It has a special place in their heart … the Mount holds a big place in all of our hearts.”
After the karakia the two teams trained alongside each other.
"Obviously we're deeply saddened by the horrific incident last week and we're sending our condolences to the families who lost love ones," Chiefs and All Blacks first-five/fullback Damian McKenzie said.
"To be able to share a moment with the Drua boys on the beach to say a prayer for those who lost their lives was special."
There were plans to recognise the campground first responders before the match on Friday, which kicks off at 3pm.
The Chiefs’ first competition game of the season is against the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday, February 14.
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