My heart goes out to the families and loved ones who have lost someone at Mount Maunganui. I can’t imagine the depth of your pain, and I’m holding you close in my thoughts during this heartbreaking time. I also want to acknowledge the emergency workers and everyone involved who showed up with such care and courage. Thank you for standing in the hardest moments and for the humanity you brought to an unimaginable situation. Sending love, strength, and aroha to all who have been affected. Always in my thoughts and prayers ❤️ - Kellie Brown
My heart breaks for all of those who have lost a loved one in this tradegy 💔 its just so shocking and sad, I can't stop thinking of you all. Thanks to all the emergency services and the police working tirelessly to bring them all home to their families 🤍 - Gail Williamson
Rest in Love to all that have lost their lives in such a tragedy, my heart goes out to all the families. - Sue Hamilton
Such beautiful souls taken so tragically causing immense sorrow for family and friends and strangers that didn’t know them. We wish your memories to be happy ones filled with joy and love and your broken hearts healed. May they all rest in peace and love. Much love from our family to yours xxx - Ange and Dai Matthews
So much love to the whanau of the lost...my heat is breaking for you all. As a country we morn with you, and your loved ones will not be forgotten. I wish there was more we could do to ease your pain, its completely unimaginable what you all must be going through. Sending love and light and strength to you all. - Nenya Chapman
Condolences to all families that have lost family members hope you now the all of new Zealand are with you all. - Michael Edward Crosland
Mount Maunganui, for a lot of us is a place where we share happy memories, with family and friends. It is a special place thats brings a community together and a place we get to share with people visiting our city. I send my condolences to the families and friends missing loved ones, first responders and those at the scene and to the wider community. The mount will always be a place that brings us together. - B Rickard
Sending all our thoughts and prayers to everyone who has been impacted by this horrible tragedy. We are thinking of all those near and far and wishing you all peace and resilience during this difficult time. - R & R Stevens
It is with heartfelt sadness i pass on my deepest sympathies to victims families. - Jordan Grogan
Dear Mount Maunganui Community, My deepest condolence to the whānau who have lost their loved ones. It is devastating to see the beloved community is going through such an awful time. My heart is with all of you❤️ Many thanks to the frontline people, your works are truly outstanding. May God is with you and the land and may love from the high will heal all the broken hearts. Kia kaha! - Sophia Chen
Toutes nos condoléances attristées à toutes les familles touchées par ce drame. Bon courage à tous et prenez soin de vous. Plein d'ondes positives de la Nouvelle Calédonie. Que Dieu vous protège ❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶❤️ - Patrick KARDI
Our hearts are heavy as we come together in aroha for the families and loved ones of the six precious lives lost in the Mt Maunganui landslide. This is a time of deep mamae for our community. Mt Maunganui is my home and holds a very special place in my heart, making this loss felt even more deeply. We lift these whānau in prayer, asking that God’s loving arms surround them with comfort and strength, and that the wairua of those who have passed are guided safely on their journey to eternal rest. May they rest in peace, and may their whānau feel the love of this community, the presence of God, and the enduring connection of whenua, moana, and whakapapa. Arohanui. - Michelle G
Our hearts are all breaking for you as you wait day in, day out, to put your whānau members and, for some of you, your babies to rest. Our belief is kua whetūrangitia rātou - they’ve now returned to take their place amongst the stars. They will always be with you and watching over you. Our thoughts are with you now and on your journeys forward. - Manawa Farquhar
Much love to all whanau who are missing a person. And to all first responders who are help ot. - Janet Peters
Sri VenkataNarasimha Kshetram With profound grief and unwavering faith, we bow in prayer for the souls lost in the tragic landslide at Mauao, Mount Maunganui. May the departed be embraced by divine light and attain moksha(salvation) and may the Almighty grant unshakeable strength, courage, and solace to the grieving families and all those affected. “Om Shāntiḥ Shāntiḥ Shāntiḥ” “Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ, Sarve santu nirāmayāḥ, Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu, Mā kaścid duḥkhabhāg bhavet.” May Lord Sri VenkataNarasimha, the protector of all beings, dispel sorrow, restore peace, and uphold the community in compassion and resilience. - Sri VenkataNarasimha Kshetram NZ
Feeling very sad and tearful. And thank all involved in the search operation. Deepest sympathy to those who have lost family members. - Judith in Austria
Rest in peace for the people who lost there life's in the mount slide. Horrible thing to happen.
I have spent the last few days trying to find the words to say but there is not a lot you can say apart from I am sorry and share in the grief with you all. Psalm :23 is my favourite verse one that I thought is appropriate to share considering the circumstances. I dedicate this verse to the 6 innocent people who so tragically lost their life at Mount Maunganui (The Te reo. Māori name is Mauao Maunga). My dearest condolences go out to the families of those people words can’t express the pain and grief that I feel. Nobody asked for this and definitely nobody deserved this. I hope one day that you can all feel and find some kind of comfort in knowing that wherever you go the sprit of your loved one will always live on and they will always be with you forever. You may not see them in body but you will definitely feel them in some sort of way. I am so sorry for the Bay of Plenty community at large. Mauao means so much to so many people and I have recently learnt why. I am not sure what the future holds for Mauao at this point but one day if I do get to walk around him again I will always and never forget the lives that were taken there and I will make sure to pay tribute to them every time I walk past. One thing I have learnt from this is there is no point in holding grudges against one another fighting about petty things that are not important because you never ever know what can happen you could be here one minute and gone the next we need to make the most of our life and live it to the fullest and love one another and be kind to one another (I send my Aroha (love in English) to the families once more and to everyone and lastly may the ones who tragically passed, may you rest in Eternal peace forever (Kia kaha).🙏 - Tammy Leigh walls
To the whānau of Sue Knowles My Love, Prayers and Thoughts are with you during this hard time, my heart feels for you and I'm so sorry for your loss. Sue gave me a home "twice" when I needed it and came to my rescue in my hour of need, she had the best taste in wine and great down to earth conversation. She was truly a beautiful soul. Rest in the love of all thoose who will miss you dearly Sue 💜 - Samantha Timmings
My heartfelt condolences on the incredibly heartbreaking loss of your loved ones. Please know that we are thinking of you, holding you in our hearts, and surrounding you with love, now and in the days ahead. Thank you also to the teams of emergency and rescue personnel for your courage, compassion, and tireless efforts. May the souls of those lost rest peacefully, forever held in love. - N Wright
Our love and thoughts are with the families at this awful time of loss in their lives. Kia Kaha. - Ikin whānau
All our love to the families of Susan, Jacqui, Max, Sharon, Mans, and Lisa. Their loss is close to our hearts as we too have enjoyed spending time at the Mount and stayed at the campground. All our aroha and prayers, may there be endless waves, beach time, friendship, romance, and travel in heaven. - Rach Canning and Louis Canning
My deepest condolences, aroha and prayers to the families that have lost loved ones in this tragedy. - Hilary Foot
Mauao e! Kaikinikini te kiri ki te mamae. Ka aroha hoki. tēnei parekura nui e ngau kino nei. - Wairangi Jones
Words cannot describe how sad this tragedy is. Our thoughts are with all those directly impacted as well as all who are experiencing such a sad sense of loss both short term and long term.
I am absolutely heartbroken for you all 💔. For those of us who live here, the Mount has always been a place of great beauty, peace and happiness and I truly wish these could have been the memories you took home with you. Please know that we are devastated for your loss. - Joan
From the very moment this tragedy unfolded, our hearts were with you and your loved ones and continue to be in this moment and into the future. We continue to pray and hold space for you and will do so into the future. The One before all has called your loved ones home, know that they are nurtured and loved, as they were before they came to this world. As you walk this time of fire, know it is only for a time, embers soon will warm you. May memories comfort you and a blanket of love cover you, protect you from now and into the future. - R Armitage
Nobody could have imagined this tragedy would occur at our precious Mauao. We are all in mourning for those who have lost their lives both at the holiday camp and in Welcome Bay. Sending my love and strength for everyone during this tough time. - Lauren
I came here with a heavy heart, unsure what words could ever be enough. I am so deeply sorry for what has been lost. My thoughts, love, and aroha are with those most affected, and with everyone carrying this grief. I leave this message in remembrance, in sorrow, and in solidarity — holding space for your pain, and honouring the lives and stories connected to Mauao. You are not alone. - April Waiarangi O’Brien
My condolences to all affected. No words can ease your pain but know we all hold you deep in thoughts. RIP to all who passed. Thank you NZ for the wrap around services and everyone's efforts in the recovery. Hugs 💙 - Frank Gaitz
My heart goes out to those who have experienced such profound loss and to Mauao as well. I thought I would share a poem I think by E. Lennox Peel. Let us gather, hearts entwined, to celebrate a life, that once did shine, our dear friend, a soul so bright, a testament to love, and Highland light. We'll share our memories, laugh and cry, Recount the moments, days gone by, Their spirit lingers, a gentle breeze, a life well-lived, forever at ease. With joy and sorrow, we'll raise our voice, in honour of the life, that was their choice,oOur dear friend, a love so true, a Highland gathering, in skies so blue. - Cameron
Kia au moe ❤️🩹 - Rangimarie Ua-marsh
Over the past few days I have checked the news many times, hoping and praying for a miracle. My heart breaks for the whanau and friends of these six people, so so sad. My prayer is that God would be near to the brokenhearted, and comfort those who mourn. Moi Mai ra. - Frances
Our thoughts are with those directly affected by such a tragedy. My young brother passed a few years ago in a tragic accident and was all over the news and I just want to offer my sincere support from this very same place. Nothing will ever bring back the ones we love but just talking about them and sharing something as simple as a hug or a kind word can help share your grief. Never stop talking about them, laugh with them in your heart, live life to your fullest. Grief will forever come in waves but ride them through and be kind to yourself. Please know the country really are grieving with you and the world is grieving with you and want nothing more then to support and send love. We all had hoped for a better outcome for you and your loved ones and we are so very sorry this was not the case. Kia Kaha, Arohanui. - Stacey
We like the families feel profound liss. May the caring of our nation heal your hearts. We all grieve with you. Love and hugs from us here in Northland. - Dianne
I can’t stop thinking about this tragedy and the people and their families waiting for their loved ones to be found. We can’t say anything to make it better, but know we are thinking of you. - Lisa Whyte
The Bloom Family send aroha to all those impacted by this tragedy. Nothing can make this OK, but please know you are loved and supported by the whole country. - Bloom Family
Sending my aroha in this time of terrible tragedy to the whanau impacted, it is so awful beyond belief and too close to home. Rest easy. Dani
😥♥️🖤- Marama Tane
Sending my sympathy and support from Wisconsin to friends and families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. - Susan Brettingen
Condolences to all those impacted by the landslide. May the families find courage and support. I understand, no words can ease the pain, but please know I’m thinking of you and sending love. - Neha S
Your grief heartbreak and tears for your loss are felt by many. Your loved ones and their memory will never be forgotten. Time will heal. Kia kaha koutou katoa. - Trish H
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day- unseen, unheard, but always near.”Our deepest condolences for the families who lost their loved ones. - Ruvini and family
My heart goes out too everyone affected by this tragedy. Kia Kaha stay strong ❤️ find strength and comfort in one another. Sending love & prayers 🙏 - Lisa Forlong
My message is for all the family's all over newzealand. My prayers are with you all specially at the mount and papmoa slip. I hope the family grieve but also celebrate the life of your lost ones. I have prayed so much for the lost ones to be returned. - Dave
My heart breaks for all the whanau friends and the community this has affected. My eyes continue to run for you all. I will never forget this tragedy and will think of you all often 💔 - Shona Te Kanawa
Sending so much love and strength to all effected by this tragedy, I feel the maemae for you all x - Nicole
Our hearts are heavy, our maunga weeps and we weep with you. I can't even find the words to express my deepest condolences to the whanau and friends of those lost. I just hope you find some comfort knowing that you are wrapped in our love and in our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time. Arohanui. - Jan Patterson, Tauranga Moana
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all ! This is such a devastating time and we all feel deeply for you! The pain and sorrow is shared and will carry it along side you! We surround you with all the love and strength in this time. Our mountain and ocean grieve for you. - Lania Lopez Mt Maunganui
Our tears fall with yours, a river of grief, loss, and heartbreak. But we wrap our arms and our hearts around those who are lost and those who have lost, and we hold you, doing the best we can to carry you, sit with you, to support you and love you in the worst times. And we will do this for as long as you need. Words will never be enough, I'm sorry feels like it doesn't cut it, but you aren't alone, you have the support and love of a nation around you. - Kristina
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending much love and light to everyone affected and involved. Mauao will never be the same 😔 - Rebecca K
Sending love, hugs and strength to all families and care support services and rescue teams involved XXx - Helena
From Brisbane we are sending all our aroha, tautoko and prayers to you all at such a sad time. We are all heart broken too with you all. Such a tragedy. Kia Kaha Aotearoa and arohanui to all the whanau affected ❤️❤️ - Miracle Pourau
Praying for all the families to feel God’s comfort and love at this incredibly sad time. - Rebecca
Goodness it is not easy to come up with the words that convey how I feel. Firstly, I am so incredibly sorry for all of your losses. I think the whole of NZ was awake with you during those nights waiting and praying, imagining ourselves in your shoes. Sending healing energy and love to all who are grieving at this incredibly sad time. - Annabel Frood
My Heart goes out to the People that are Grieving at this Time waiting for news of there loved one's I pray for them All. - Barbara Kay
To the families of those lost in the tragedy we offer our sincere sympathy. Life can be cruel so treasure the memories of those who have died, think of the good times and take solace in the Lord. May your loved ones rest in everlasting peace. - Stewart and Janice Germann
My heart goes out to all affected by this tragedy and the brave people who died trying to help others and to those who have worked tirelessly in retrieving those who are not coming home to return them to their families. Aroha to all x - Jane mather
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. We hold everyone who has lost a loved one and the whole community in our thoughts. Sending you all our aroha. - Tanya Furstenburg
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and whānau who have lost loved ones in the Mount Maunganui landslides. Words feel so small in the face of such heartbreak but please know you are not alone. Your loss is felt deeply and you are held in the thoughts, prayers and hearts of so many. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the fire service, police, rescue teams, emergency responders and the many volunteers who showed extraordinary courage and compassion during this tragic event. Your selfless actions, tireless efforts and unwavering commitment in the most difficult of circumstances will never be forgotten. In this time of grief, our community and the rest of New Zealand stand together in unity, strength and aroha. May those who have passed rest peacefully and may comfort, love, and support surround all who are mourning. Rest in love and peace. x - Barry and Julie-Ann Haskell
Kia Ora Ko Chantae Toku Ingoa Ko mauao te maunga Ko Waiau te awa Ko Tauranga te Moana Ko mataatua te waka Ko te Whānau a tauwhao te hapu Ko Ngai te rangi te iwi Ko Otawhiwhi te Marae 🫶🏼 My Whānau sends our greatest aroha, our whenua will forever embrace yous with its mana 🤍🪽we all cry with yous 💔 - Chantae Rissetto
The lost of life is Heart Shattering and my heart goes out to the families who have lost there dearest ones. The Pāpāmoa hills then the Mount landslides in a city that I have lived my life in is hard to take in. This sort of thing happens overseas, not in my hometown. - Gail Allen
With no words but much, much love and many prayers for everyone affected by this event. With family in the town, there but for the grace of god, are all of us. - Hannah
Most sincere condolence to everyone affected by the tragic events at the feet of Mauao and in Papamoa. With prayer and love from Poland. - Przemysław Litewka
I am so sorry to hear about what has happened back home and send condolences to those who have lost loved ones 🙏🏽 and for everyone affected by what has happened around the area including the 2 people who lost their lives in Welcome Bay. - Rosemary Newnham
Condolences. Thoughts and prayers to all. From Cornwall UK. - Jane Patterson
Our hearts go out to all of you who have so suddenly and tragically lost family members. We can’t imagine the grief that you are feeling. We send aroha to you all and to all the rescue workers and iwi and we thank you for all the mahi and manaakitanga you are giving. Our own whānau gathered together at Mauao only a few short weeks ago and we feel grief for you and the wounded maunga as well. Sending aroha from our family in Ōtepoti. - Liz and Rudie
My sincerest condolences to the lives lost, I am praying for comfort for all the whanau. Such tragic losses. May peace, healing and comfort follow you all. - Amanda
We miss everyone that was killed and what a shocking sad day. Xxxx to the poor families who had lost loved ones my heart goes out for you and hope that the beautiful show of support 🙏 ❤️ 💙 be offered to you all. - Kor.904 KoRe-RuSs
I’m so sorry for the tragedy that has affected so many families and members of our community. Please know you’re not alone, we’re thinking of you, praying for you, and the community is here to support you. The pain you must be feeling is unimaginable, but I stand with you and share in the grief of this incredibly sad moment we’re going through. No one should be indifferent to what happened on our sacred Mount, and I truly hope it never happens again. My deepest condolences. - Ivana
There are no words that we can offer that could help you in this time, the spirit of Aotearoa was crushed by this news. We grieve with you, we mourn with you. Your loved ones will never ever be forgotten. Whenever I see the maunga I will think of them, whenever I scale the maunga and that inevitable pain creeps into your legs, I will reflect of the pain that was and is suffered - and when reaching the summit, staring into the never ending, blue moana, glistening from the warmth of the sun that can only be seen on Mauao, that feeling of awe having reached the top of the world - I will hope your loved ones final resting place may be just as beautiful, and perhaps we may be a bit more closer to them again for a moment. They will never be forgotten. - Courtney
I feel sorry that this happened to you in my home town stay strong and hope you get through. My home Mt Maunganui and i was shocked when this happened sorry for your lost. Kia kaha. - Dallin Bishara
Sending all our love to the families affected by this terrible tragic event. - Corinne Rutherford
Sending my love to the families of those who tragically lost their loved ones and also thinking of the town I grew up in. - Lisa Sullivan
Our hearts ache for you, for those living inside unimaginable loss and pain. There are no words that can ease what you are carrying, only the wish that you do not have to carry it alone. Mauao has always stood as a place of strength and calm, and to see it marked by loss feels deeply wrong. Please know you are held, we will support you at your pace, for as long as you need. There is no timeline, no expectation and no right way to move through this. From pain may come moments of gentleness and care but for now, may you simply be wrapped in love. From my heart to yours, kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui, together. - Jess
Kia mau ki te tokanga nui-a-noho Mauao 24th January 2026 Ko Kate ahau, I wish to pass my aroha to those who are going through the unimaginable loss of their whanau. The mount was introduced to me when I moved to welcome bay at 6 years old (2004). My mum grew up there in the 1970's. I would always look forward to Sundays as it was the day my dad and I would spend our afternoon at the hot pools and around the maunga while my mum worked on the Sunday. When I heard on the radio the news I cried and had a friend hug me in comfort. Ēhara tāku toa i te toa takatahi, engari he toa takitini. (Our strength is not made from us alone, but made from many) Kia kaha Aotearoa and to the visitors to the mount I am so sorry that you had to witness this unfortunate event, our country mourns with you. Sending all my thoughts, wishes and faith. We will remember this day for eternity as well as the other tragedies we have endured in the past. Nga mihi - Kate West
My heart is so heavy for the families affected. I am deeply sorry for the loss you are facing and for the heartbreak caused by this tragedy. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and that you are surrounded by so much love and compassion from those holding you close in spirit. I hope you can feel the love being sent your way during this unimaginably difficult time. - Caterina
To the families and whānau affected by the Mt Maunganui landslide, We bow our heads with you. When the ground that has always held us suddenly gives way, words should not rush in to explain or soften what cannot be explained or softened. Some losses are too heavy for commentary. They ask only for presence, for stillness, for respect. Know that your grief is not unseen. It stands with dignity, as you stand now - bearing what should never have been asked of you. May the days ahead be carried not by answers, but by people. By hands that do not let go. By memory that does not fade. By love that remains, even when the earth has shifted. We mourn with you. We stand with you. And we honour those who are gone by speaking gently, and by listening more than we speak. With sincere compassion. - Zoran Rakovic with family, West Melton
Moved from our home of tauranga Tuesday to move to Southland, heard this happened & broke down in tears! Arohamai our maunga has claimed lives,definitely feeling for all the Whānau rn! Moe Mai ra xx - Ashley Monkley
Mauao holds a special place in all our hearts. The events that have unfolded this week have affected the whole community. My thoughts are with the Whānau of those who have lost loved ones during this incredible difficult time. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. My strength is not that of one, but of many. - Sasha Davies
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the lost souls in this tragic event. Sending our blessings and love and light. - Blackler Family Tauranga
Our hearts are heavy, sad, devasted, almost have no words. This is our beautiful community and we are so so terribly sorry for what has happened and your immense loss. Please know our thoughts are with you and your family. - Ursula and Andrew Massie
I am so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the pain you are going through. Please know that we stand with you and think of your terrible loss often. My thoughts are with you and your family. - J Moore
Our hearts are broken. Sending Aroha to the families of loved ones lost and the many people who helped to bring them home. Kia kaha💔. - Carol Ralph
So very very sorry that this has happened to you. Nature at its most brutal. Wishing you cherished memories and eventual peace overbthe years to come. - Polly B
As the hours pass and they turn into days we sit in our whare, our homes with our whānau and send our aroha and thoughts to all those affected by this tragedy. We sit here in silence thinking of you all x We hope your loved ones are returned! He mihi aroha tenei ki a koutou katoa ❤️
I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. I can't even imagine the pain that you are experiencing. Prayers for comfort and healing for you and your family. - Janice Hyde