The recovery effort to reunite loved ones with their families following last week's landslide at Mount Maunganui is continuing, supported by Police from across the country.
Dog handlers, family liaison officers, specialist search teams and other staff have been arriving in the Bay of Plenty District to provide support to the dozens of staff who have been on the ground since Thursday's slip.
Inspector Will Loughrin, Acting Bay of Plenty District Commander, says recovery teams are making good progress but they still have days of work ahead of them.
"Police, supported by Urban Search and Rescue and contractor drivers, have reached the area where the ablution block was, and they are continuing the painstaking effort to gently dig through the slip.
"The reason the work is so time consuming is because we are digging millimetres at a time. We can't rush this work, and we won't rush it."
Police are not yet in a position to comment on what has been located to date.
Staff from across New Zealand supporting operation
Each shift, an estimated 70 Police staff are involved in the recovery effort, with a number of Police districts sending resources to assist.
"There is an enormous amount of work, and the people doing that delicate work inside the scene are just the tip of the iceberg. Family liaison officers are in Tauranga to support families, there are staff inputting information, sorting logistics, carrying out interviews and reviewing footage from the public.
"Council, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, local iwi, and businesses are also supporting this recovery - there is an army of people who are focused on doing what they can to help and to support the families."
Inspector Loughrin praised everyone involved in the effort.
"They've put in massive hours, in very dynamic, exhausting conditions. People are getting tired, physically and mentally, but we're making sure they get the rest and support they need.
"The work they have done is incredible, and they've done it with dignity and respect and I'm proud of them."
Police seek imagery of mountain prior to slip
Police are asking anyone with video footage and images of the slip at Mt Maunganui to upload it via this online portal. We are particularly interested in anyone who has footage or images of the campsite and Mount Maunganui between Wednesday night right through to the time the slip happened and the immediate time after the slip.
We have already received more than 100 video clips and photos through the portal and we want to thank those who have taken the time to send this in.
Privacy request from families
Family members are feeling uncomfortable with receiving multiple requests for comment. We ask that any request for comment is made through the Police Media Centre.
