Recovery Underway: Human Remains Found as Bay of Plenty Landslide Search Shifts Focus
By Lions Roar Aotearoa News
BAY OF PLENTY, NEW ZEALAND (Saturday, January 24, 2026) — In a somber update to the devastating landslide crisis, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson has confirmed that authorities are transitioning from a rescue operation to a “recovery phase.”
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday afternoon, Superintendent Anderson revealed the tragic discovery of human remains at the site, signaling the end of hopes for a miracle rescue for the six individuals currently unaccounted for.
💔 “Heartbreaking News”
The atmosphere at the command center was heavy as Superintendent Anderson addressed the media. “This is heartbreaking news for us and obviously the families involved,” he said.
- Human Remains Found: Identification teams have located remains in an area where search teams had anticipated the victims might be. However, police have declined to specify the exact location to protect the privacy of the families.
- Complex Identification: Anderson warned that due to the nature of the site, the formal identification process could take several days.
- Six Missing: Police confirmed that six people remain unaccounted for. Their names are expected to be officially released later this afternoon.
⚠️ Perilous Conditions for Search Teams
While the focus has shifted to recovery, the safety of the staff on the ground remains the top priority. The site is currently extremely unstable, exacerbated by recent weather.
- Mud and Debris: The site is buried under significant layers of mud, making movement difficult and dangerous.
- Unstable Ground: “There are really strict parameters around those that are working on site right now,” Anderson explained, noting that the ground remains highly volatile.
- Ongoing Rain: Fresh rain fell last night and again shortly before the press conference, further threatening the stability of the slopes and complicating the recovery efforts.
📊 Incident Status Report: Bay of Plenty Recovery
| Metric | Status Update |
| Current Phase | Recovery (Transitioned from Rescue) |
| Unaccounted For | 6 People (Names pending release) |
| Key Discovery | Human remains located at the site |
| Site Safety | Highly unstable; ongoing rain and deep mud |
| Lead Authority | Bay of Plenty Police (Supt. Tim Anderson) |
🙏 Support for the Community
As the names of the missing are prepared for release, local iwi and community support groups have been mobilized to provide counseling and traditional support (manaakitanga) to the grieving families. The landslide, triggered by the “unprecedented” weather systems battering the North Island this week, is shaping up to be one of the region’s deadliest natural disasters in recent memory.
