Mt Maunganui Campground Landslide: Kids feared missing as rescue mission begins

An urgent "rescue operation" is underway at an iconic Mount Maunganui campground after a serious landslide has left a number of people - including children - unaccounted for. 

Emergency services were called to Beachside Holiday Park just after 9:30 am, after tents were flattened, a toilet block was hit with a wave of debris and a campervan was pushed towards the nearby hot pools in what Police Minister Mark Mitchell is calling "a tragedy". 

Authorities told media they hadn't yet rescued anyone, but would keep working through the night until they did. They were initially signs of life heard from the debris, but not recently. Mitchell confirmed a young girl was among the missing, and news outlets are reporting other kids may also be included.

Police District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said it was "possible we will find someone alive", adding he was unable to comment on exact figures, but placed the number of people missing in the "single digits". 

Emergency services have spoken with parents and the husband of some of those currently missing, confirming they are "still in response mode".

There are major concerns about the stability of the slip, and the search has been described as "incredibly delicate". First responders were forced to withdraw not long after arriving due to safety concerns.

St John sent in four ambulances, one rapid response unit and two operations managers, and the campsite was evacuated. Mayor Mahé Drysdale said there were hundreds of families at the campground at the time of the slip.

The Mount Hot Pools have been evacuated and are closed. Officials have asked that the community please stay away from the area.

"The landslide incident is an evolving situation," they said. "We are working with Tauranga City Council and emergency services to gather more information and provide support."

An Australian tourist told 1News he was swimming in the hot pools when the landslide occurred. "I was fearing for my life," he said. "I had to jump out of my seat as fast as I could and just run."

People were heard screaming for help inside the toilet block, with people on the roof desperately trying to use tools to get through. These voices reportedly went quiet after 15 minutes.

The area had its wettest day on record the day before, with two-and-a-half months' worth of rain in 12 hours.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected. Main image credit: 1News