“Keep it to Yourself”: Luxon Slams Racist Rhetoric as Mt Maunganui Recovery Resumes
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Politics Desk
MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND (Monday, January 26, 2026) — Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has issued a blistering rebuke to those spreading “racist rhetoric” online regarding the role of iwi in the Mt Maunganui landslide response.
Speaking from He Maimai Aroha, the community care centre established to support grieving families, Luxon praised the “unity” of the local community and defended the critical role Māori leadership has played since the disaster struck Beachside Holiday Park last Thursday.
🛡️ A Call for Unity Amid Recovery
As teams resumed the dangerous task of recovering six people still missing in the debris today, the Prime Minister addressed the “misinformation” and “margins of rhetoric” surfacing on social media.
- On Iwi Involvement: Luxon described iwi as a “critical part” of the disaster response. “They need to be at the table going forward bigtime—and we’ve made sure that’s the case,” he said.
- The Message to Trolls: “The people on the margins with their rhetoric, they need to just frankly keep it to themselves. Right here, right now we need to stay together and support each other.”
- Recovery Status: After being paused on Sunday due to soil instability and slip risks, recovery efforts resumed Monday morning under strict geotechnical supervision.
🏗️ Building for a “New Normal”
Beyond the immediate search, the Prime Minister signaled that the government is preparing a support package once regional assessments are complete. He emphasized that New Zealand must adapt its infrastructure to survive more frequent natural disasters.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Luxon pointed to the new Hawke’s Bay Expressway, built to withstand double the flooding levels of its predecessor, as a blueprint for the future.
- National Flood Plan: The PM confirmed a National Flood Plan will be in place by the end of 2026 to address risk management and climate adaptation.
- Government Support: “We’re a government that wants to help… we will pull together a plan and a support package once the assessments come back.”
📊 Mt Maunganui Landslide: Current Status
| Category | Update |
| Status of Search | Resumed (as of Monday morning) |
| Missing Persons | 6 remain unaccounted for |
| Iwi Role | Lead partners in response & recovery |
| Government Focus | Immediate recovery & National Flood Plan (late 2026) |
🗣️ Local Sentiment
The Prime Minister’s visit to the Mount was met with a mix of somber reflection and community strength. Local mayors have remained in “dynamic” contact with the Beehive, ensuring that while the region focuses on the grim task of recovery, the necessary funding and resources are being calculated in the background.
