Key Takeaways
- Fundraising pages have been set up for the families of the Mount Maunganui landslide victims, raising thousands of dollars in a short amount of time
- The victims of the landslide have been named as Lisa Anne Maclennan, Måns Loke Bernhardsson, Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, Susan Doreen Knowles, Sharon Maccanico, and Max Furse-Kee
- Donors have been paying tribute to the victims, particularly Lisa Maclennan, who was described as a "courageous, selfless woman" who lost her life trying to save others
- An independent review into the events leading up to the landslide has been announced, and WorkSafe will be investigating the organisations involved in the holiday park
Introduction to the Tragedy
The Mount Maunganui landslide has left a community in shock and grief, with six people losing their lives in the tragic event. The landslide occurred at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, where a massive slip came down at around 9:30am on Thursday, January 22, smashing into campervans, tents, vehicles, and an ablution block. The victims have been named 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 community has come together to support the families of the victims, with fundraising pages being set up to help with immediate and ongoing costs.
Fundraising Efforts
A Givealittle page set up by Maclennan’s sister had raised almost $13,000 within 13 hours for the Morrinsville teacher’s family. The page described Maclennan as a "courageous, selfless woman" who lost her life trying to save others. Many donors commented on Maclennan’s work with Morrinsville Intermediate School students over the years, paying tribute to her dedication and kindness. A separate page has also been set up "In Loving Memory" of Furse-Kee, with $35,435 donated to the teenager’s family in less than 15 hours. The page creator and family friend Samuel Holliday wrote that he’d had the privilege "of seeing Max grow into the beautiful, much-loved child he is", and said the family was "facing an unimaginable loss".
Tributes and Memorials
The community has been paying tribute to the victims, with many sharing stories and memories of their lives. On Monday evening, about 100 people gathered at Auckland Domain to remember another Pakuranga College student and landslide victim, Sharon Maccanico. The gathering was a chance for friends and family to come together and share their grief, and to celebrate the life of a young person who was taken too soon. The tributes and memorials are a testament to the impact that the victims had on their communities, and the lasting legacy they will leave behind.
Investigations and Recovery
Work has resumed to recover the six missing people, with tens of thousands of cubic metres of dirt to comb through. The recovery efforts are ongoing, and the community is waiting with bated breath for news of the progress. Tauranga City Council is heading an independent review into the events leading up to the landslide, and WorkSafe has announced it will look into the organisations involved in the holiday park. The investigations will aim to determine the cause of the landslide and identify any factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. The community is eager to understand what happened and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Support and Donations
The fundraising pages set up for the victims’ families have been inundated with donations and messages of support. The community has come together to show their love and care for those affected by the tragedy. The donations will go towards helping the families with immediate and ongoing costs, including time away from work and any support they may need. The outpouring of support is a testament to the kindness and generosity of the community, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and always help available.
Conclusion
The Mount Maunganui landslide has been a devastating tragedy that has left a community in shock and grief. The fundraising pages set up for the victims’ families have been a beacon of hope, raising thousands of dollars in a short amount of time. The tributes and memorials have been a chance for the community to come together and celebrate the lives of those who were lost. The investigations and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the community is waiting with bated breath for news of the progress. As the community continues to heal and recover, it is clear that the legacy of the victims will live on, and that their memories will never be forgotten.
