The fifth victim of the Mount Maunganui landslide has been identified at a Coroners Court hearing this afternoon.
Coroner Janet Anderson confirmed she was Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Rotorua.
Evidence was presented by Detective Sergeant Brent Griffiths, a member of the Disaster Victim Identification team, at the Tauranga Moana District Court at 1pm.
The coroner ruled the identity of the body had been established as Susan and that her remains could now be released to her family.
Susan's body was found on January 27.
"I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Susan's whānau and friends for the unimaginable tragedy that has occurred and the loss of their dearly loved family member," Anderson said.
'Larger than life and will be dearly missed'
In a statement, Knowles' family paid tribute to a much‑loved mother, sister, aunty, grandmother and wife, describing her as "larger than life” and someone who will be "dearly missed" by all who knew her.
Known as Granna to her grandchildren, Sue was cherished by her family and held deep friendships across her community.
"Sue had a positive impact on so many people’s lives, through her work and her hobbies outside of work," the statement read.
"We like to refer to her as an active relaxer, somebody who was always on the go and looking for her next adventure."
The family expressed gratitude to the many people who have sent messages and tributes in recent days, saying the kindness shown meant a great deal during an unimaginably difficult time.
They also paid special thanks to the teams who worked tirelessly in the challenging operation to bring Sue home.
"What the teams working on the ground are faced with is by no means anybody’s day‑to‑day work, and we will forever be appreciative of everything they have done in these unprecedented circumstances," the family said.
"These men and women have turned up day in, day out and worked extremely hard to bring Sue back to us."
A Givealittle page had been set up to help the family with memorial costs and other expenses.
In a Facebook post by Eves Rotorua last weekend, colleagues expressed devastation by the news of Knowles’ death in the landslide.
The post said Knowles was a valued member of the property management team and “an integral part of our wider community”.
“She was known for her kindness and care for those around her, and her loss will be felt by many.”
FENZ demobilises, leaves incident ground
Today, Fire and Emergency NZ said its specialist Urban Search and Rescue team was in the process of demobilisation and had left the incident ground at Mount Maunganui.
Assistant National Commander David Guard said the team had worked meticulously and tirelessly throughout the operation.
"I would like to acknowledge our specialist Urban Search and Rescue team and other specialist staff who have assisted with operations. Our thoughts remain with the families who lost loved ones in this devastating event."
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the recovery work at Mount Maunganui remained ongoing.
"While some teams have started to depart, all the required safety measures and equipment remain in place, to ensure the safety of all the teams who continue to work at the scene."
Six people were missing after a slip at Beachside Holiday Park at the base of Mauao on January 22 struck the campsite's toilet and shower block, knocking over campervans and tents.
The missing were named by police on January 24 as Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71; Sharon Maccanico, 15; and Max Furse-Kee, 15.
The first victim of the landslip was formally identified on Wednesday as Max Furse-Kee.
The second victim was formally identified on Thursday as Swedish tourist Måns Loke Bernhardsson.
The third and fourth victims were formally identified on Friday as Morrinsville teacher Lisa Anne Maclennan and Sharon Maccanico.
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