Max Furse-Kee was only 15, but to his family he was already everything—a wonderful son, a devoted big brother, a boy whose kindness and quiet strength touched everyone around him. On January 22, 2026, that bright young life was taken in an instant when a massive landslide roared down Mount Maunganui and buried the Beachside Holiday Park where he was staying with friends. His name now stands among the six confirmed victims of one of New Zealand’s most heartbreaking recent natural disasters, leaving a grieving family, school community, and nation searching for ways to honor a boy gone far too soon.

Max had traveled to the Mount Maunganui area with classmates for what was meant to be a joyful summer getaway. The group was camping at the popular holiday park nestled at the base of Mauao, excited for beach days, laughter, and the kind of carefree memories teenagers cherish. His mother later described how thrilled he had been in the days leading up to the trip—texting photos of the tent setup, joking about who snored the loudest, promising to send daily updates. Those messages stopped abruptly on the morning the mountain gave way.

The landslide struck without mercy. Heavy rain had saturated the volcanic slopes for days, and around 9:30 a.m., a wall of mud, rock, and debris crashed through the campground. Tents, campervans, and vehicles were swallowed in seconds. Screams filled the air as campers scrambled or were trapped. Emergency services arrived quickly, but the scale of destruction was overwhelming. Two bodies were recovered early; human remains were later found as the operation transitioned from rescue to recovery. Max was among those still missing until authorities confirmed his identity through forensic processes and family liaison.

In a statement released through police and shared on behalf of his family, Max was remembered with deep love and pride. “Max was a wonderful son and a devoted big brother,” the tribute read. “He had the biggest heart, always putting others first—especially his younger siblings. He was kind, funny, thoughtful, and had a smile that lit up every room.” Friends and classmates echoed those words. Teachers at his school described him as respectful, engaged, and someone who quietly supported others. One classmate posted online: “He was the guy who’d check if you were okay when no one else noticed. We’re lost without him.”

The school community has rallied around Max’s memory. Special assemblies were held where students and staff shared stories, lit candles, and created a memorial space filled with photos, letters, and his favorite sports gear. A tribute wall grew daily with messages like “Forever in our hearts, Max” and “Your kindness lives on.” Classmates organized a fundraiser to support his family and other victims’ loved ones, channeling grief into action. The response showed how deeply Max had been loved—not just at home, but by an entire school and wider circle.

Max’s family has spoken publicly in limited statements, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support while asking for privacy as they navigate unimaginable loss. They highlighted his role as a big brother—always protective, patient, and playful with his younger siblings. Photos shared by relatives show him laughing at family gatherings, holding his little brother on his shoulders, teaching his sister how to ride a bike. Those everyday moments now feel unbearably precious.

The landslide that took Max was part of a broader weather event that triggered multiple slips across Tauranga and surrounding suburbs. Geologists explained that prolonged rain saturated the ash and volcanic soil on steep slopes like Mauao’s, causing failure. Smaller precursor slips had occurred overnight, and one photo taken nearly two hours after the first 111 call showed walkers standing perilously close to an unstable edge—visual proof the mountain was already unstable. Questions continue about response times, evacuation decisions, and whether campers could have been moved sooner. Investigations are underway, but for families like Max’s, answers feel distant compared to the immediate pain.

Across New Zealand, Max’s story has resonated deeply. Tributes have poured in from strangers moved by the description of a “devoted big brother.” Social media pages dedicated to the victims feature his photo alongside messages of solidarity. One viral post read: “15 years old and already the kind of person we all wish we could be. Rest easy, Max.” The tragedy has also reignited discussions about landslide risks in popular recreational areas. Calls grow louder for improved monitoring, stricter weather-related closures, and better communication during severe events.

For the surviving campers who escaped, survivor’s guilt lingers alongside grief. Some have spoken of the chaos—running through mud, hearing screams, realizing friends were missing. A teacher who helped guide people to safety perished in the slip, adding another layer of sorrow. The holiday park, once a place of summer joy, now stands as a somber reminder of nature’s power.

Max’s family has asked that donations in his memory go toward youth mental health programs and outdoor safety initiatives—causes he would have cared about. They want his legacy to be one of kindness and looking out for others, not just tragedy. As the recovery operation continues on Mauao’s scarred slopes, with teams carefully removing debris to bring closure, the nation holds space for a boy whose life was defined by love and care.

The pain of losing someone so young is profound. Max Furse-Kee was not just a statistic in a disaster report—he was a son who made his parents proud, a brother who protected and played, a friend who listened and laughed. His absence leaves a void that words can barely touch. Yet in the tributes, the memories, and the quiet acts of kindness inspired by his story