Police name Kiribati man found dead in Mahurangi River

Police have named the man found dead in the Mahurangi River near Warkworth as 47-year-old Tekanimaeu Arobati from Kiribati.

His body was located on Saturday, 24 January, after concerns were raised for his safety during the recent storm that affected parts of Auckland and surrounding areas.

In a statement released on Monday, police said Arobati had been formally identified following enquiries after his body was discovered in the river near Warkworth over the weekend.

Police said their thoughts are with Arobati’s family and friends at this difficult time, and that support is being offered to his family.

Arobati had been the subject of concern during the severe weather, with emergency services involved in searches as conditions worsened across the region.

His disappearance prompted efforts to locate him before his body was eventually found in the Mahurangi River.

Emergency crews continue the search for the man swept away in the Mahurangi River near Warkworth. The body was recovered on Saturday evening. Photo/RNZ/Finn Blackwell

Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The matter has been referred to the Coroner, who will determine the cause of death in due course.

Police have also acknowledged the impact the death has had on the Kiribati community and others affected by the storm, which caused widespread disruption and damage across Auckland.

Police say further updates will be provided if more information becomes available.

The Mahurangi River at Falls Road, Warkworth, where floodwaters swept away a 47-year-old man earlier this week. Police and volunteers searched the area in challenging conditions. Photo/RNZ/Finn Blackwell

Thousands donate to families of Mount Maunganui landslide victims

Fundraising pages set up for families of the Mount Maunganui landslide victims have raised tens of thousands of dollars, with donors sharing heartfelt tributes.

According to the authorities, six people were killed when a massive landslide struck the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on Thursday, 22 January, crushing campervans, tents and buildings.

The victims have been named as Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71; and teenagers Sharon Maccanico and Max Furse-Kee, both 15.

Nearly $13,000 was raised in just over 13 hours for Maclennan’s family, with donors praising her courage and dedication as a teacher, while more than $35,000 was donated within 15 hours to support Furse-Kee’s family.

Watch as the search for survivors continues at Mt Maunganui in Tauranga below.

Vigils have also been held, including a gathering at Auckland Domain for Maccanico, a student at Pakuranga College, as recovery work continues at the site.

Tauranga City Council has launched an independent review into the events leading up to the landslide, and WorkSafe is investigating the organisations involved in the holiday park.