In the shadow of New Zealand’s iconic Mount Maunganui, a place synonymous with summer holidays, golden beaches, and carefree adventures, a tragedy unfolded that has left an indelible mark on the nation. On January 22, 2026, a massive landslide tore through the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, burying caravans, tents, and lives under tons of earth and debris. Among the six victims was 15-year-old Max Furse-Kee, a bright, kind-hearted teenager from Auckland whose life was cut short just days before his 16th birthday. As the country grapples with the aftermath of severe storms that battered the North Island, Max’s story has emerged as a poignant symbol of lost potential, unbreakable family bonds, and community resilience. His mother’s heartfelt tribute—“He was my sunshine”—has resonated across social media, drawing thousands of messages of support and reminding us all of the fragility of life.

The landslide struck without warning around 9:30 a.m. on that fateful Thursday, triggered by heavy rainfall from a relentless storm system that had already caused widespread flooding and damage across the region. Mount Maunganui, or Mauao as it’s known in Māori, is a sacred volcanic dome rising 232 meters above sea level, a popular spot for hikers and tourists. The holiday park at its base, nestled between the mountain and the sea, was packed with families escaping the urban hustle for a slice of paradise. Witnesses described a deafening roar as the hillside gave way, sending a cascade of mud, rocks, and vegetation crashing down. Caravans were crushed, pathways obliterated, and emergency services scrambled to the scene amid chaotic conditions.

Six people lost their lives in the disaster: Max Furse-Kee and his girlfriend Sharon Maccanico, both 15-year-old students from Pakūranga College in Auckland; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, a 20-year-old Swedish tourist exploring New Zealand’s natural wonders; Lisa Anne Maclennan, a 50-year-old woman from Morrinsville known for her community involvement; and two close friends from Rotorua, Susan Doreen Knowles and Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, both 71, who were enjoying a retirement getaway. The victims represented a cross-section of society—youthful dreamers, adventurous travelers, and cherished elders—united in tragedy by nature’s unforgiving force.

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Aerial images of the site reveal the sheer scale of devastation: a scarred mountainside with deep gashes exposing raw earth, mangled vehicles scattered like toys, and excavators dwarfed by the rubble. Rescue efforts began immediately, with teams from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, police, and urban search and rescue specialists working around the clock. However, by January 23, operations shifted from rescue to recovery due to the slim chances of survival and emerging risks, including a new crack in the hillside that threatened further collapses. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson addressed the media, his voice heavy with regret: “The site remains extremely unstable. Our priority is now to safely recover the victims and return them to their families.”

For Max Furse-Kee, the recovery came with heartbreaking timing. His body was located on January 26, and formally identified through dental records and distinctive features at a coroner’s hearing in Tauranga on January 28—his 16th birthday. Deputy Chief Coroner Brigitte Windley noted the cruel irony: “Sadly, today he would have turned 16.” The identification allowed his family to begin the grieving process, but it also amplified the nation’s sorrow. Social media erupted with tributes, hashtags like #MaxFurseKee and #MtMaunganuiTragedy trending as users shared stories of similar losses or simply expressed condolences.

Max was more than a statistic in a disaster report; he was a vibrant soul whose presence lit up every room. Born on January 28, 2010, in Auckland, he grew up in a loving family, the eldest of siblings who adored him. His mother, Hannah Furse, described him in a moving statement as “a kind, loving and joyful young man who brought light to everyone around him.” From his first moments, Max captured hearts: “From the moment I first looked into his beautiful blue eyes almost 16 years ago, he had my whole heart. He was my sunshine.”

A student at Pakūranga College, Max was known for his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to sports. He excelled in basketball, earning the Junior Player of the Year award in 2025 for his skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Teammates recall him as the one who always encouraged others, even during tough games. “Max had this way of making you believe in yourself,” one friend shared anonymously on Reddit’s r/newzealand thread. Beyond the court, he was a devoted big brother, often seen playing with his younger siblings, teaching them to ride bikes or sharing laughs over family dinners. Photos circulating online show a smiling teen with tousled hair, blue eyes sparkling with mischief—images that now serve as bittersweet reminders of what was lost.

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One particularly touching photo, shared by his family, captures Max during a Christmas celebration, surrounded by wrapped gifts and his siblings. He’s grinning broadly, an arm around a toddler, embodying the protective, joyful brother his mother described. Another image shows him with his uncle at a formal event, both dressed sharply, their smiles mirroring a close bond. These snapshots have gone viral, amassing thousands of views on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where users create tribute videos set to emotional soundtracks like “You Are My Sunshine.”

Max’s relationship with Sharon Maccanico added another layer of heartbreak. The young couple, both 15, had been dating and were excited about their summer holiday together at the holiday park. Friends say they were inseparable, sharing dreams of future adventures—perhaps traveling overseas or pursuing sports scholarships. Sharon, also a Pakūranga student, was remembered by the school as a bright, compassionate girl with a passion for art and music. Their deaths have devastated the school community, with counselors on site as the new term begins under a cloud of grief. Principal Pete Heron issued a statement: “Many members of the college have been deeply impacted by the news, and we are working to support students and staff in the coming days and weeks. The wellbeing of our college community is paramount as the school year starts next week under incredibly sad circumstances.”

The family’s tributes poured out in waves, each word a testament to Max’s impact. Hannah Furse’s full statement, released on January 25, painted a vivid picture of a life full of promise: “He was such a good kid, and he is so deeply loved. He brought so much joy, laughter and light into our lives every single day. His incredible friends and his girlfriend meant the world to him, and the love, happiness and sense of belonging they gave him brought him so much joy.” She lamented the milestones he would miss: “Just days ago, my biggest fear was him getting his driver’s licence. How I wish now that he could have experienced the joy of driving, and so many other moments that growing up brings.”

Max’s uncle posted a moving 16th birthday tribute on social media, sharing photos and memories of their time together. “Happy 16th, buddy. You were the light in our family. We’ll carry you with us always,” he wrote, accompanied by a photo of them at a wedding. The post garnered hundreds of likes and shares, with commenters adding their own stories: “Max was always the first to help on the field,” or “He had the best laugh—contagious.”

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The community response has been overwhelming. An online fundraising page for Max’s family, set up by friends, surpassed $17,000 NZD within days, with donations flooding in from across New Zealand and beyond. “This is to help Hannah and the family through this unimaginable time,” the page reads. Vigils were held in Auckland and Tauranga, where candles flickered against the night sky as mourners sang songs and shared memories. At Te Wharekura o Mauao, a local Māori school, students performed a haka in honor of the victims, blending cultural traditions with collective grief.

Pakūranga MP Simeon Brown captured the local sentiment: “My heart is absolutely broken by the news that Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico, two young students from Pakūranga College here in East Auckland, have lost their lives in the Mount Maunganui landslides. To the families, friends, and everyone who knew and loved them, our community is grieving with you. These were two young people with their whole lives ahead of them, taken far too soon in the most unimaginable way.” He urged unity: “Our community’s strength has always been in how we care for one another, and we need that now more than ever.”

On social media, the outpouring was profound. X (formerly Twitter) saw posts from users like @diary_nz sharing updates: “Mount Maunganui landslide victim formally identified as Max Furse-Kee—would have turned 16 today.” Threads on Reddit’s r/newzealand discussed the tragedy with empathy, users sharing personal connections: “I camped there last year—can’t believe this happened.” TikTok videos featured montages of Max’s photos with captions like “Fly high, angel,” amassing millions of views. Instagram reels from @easterntimesnz highlighted the fundraiser, encouraging shares.

Yet, amid the grief, debates emerged. Some posts criticized the suspension of rescue efforts due to safety concerns, with @saltyreigns venting: “No bodies recovered at Mount Maunganui because they stood the rescue team down… What happened to men? If you are rescuing people, there is risk.” Others addressed cultural aspects, like Māori tikanga suggesting a year of mourning for the mountain, sparking discussions on respect versus public access. @MatuaKahurangi argued: “Your tikanga is yours. It is not law… Stop weaponising grief to control public spaces.” Conversely, @tukakimatt called for patience: “Give the emergency services workers the space they need… Let us be as one as a community and as a nation.”

The broader context of the storm amplifies the tragedy. This event is part of a larger weather catastrophe affecting the North Island, with flooding isolating communities and destroying infrastructure. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited affected areas, promising swift aid: “We will rebuild stronger.” Calls for an independent inquiry into the landslide’s causes—perhaps linked to climate change or land management—grow louder, as seen in Newsroom articles urging accountability.

As recovery continues, with the remaining victims’ bodies being retrieved under perilous conditions, the focus shifts to healing. For Hannah Furse and her family, life without Max feels “impossible.” Yet, in her words, “Max will always be loved, always be ours, and always be remembered. Love you 100, Max.” His legacy endures in the joy he spread, the friendships he nurtured, and the community he inspired.

In a world where disasters strike without mercy, stories like Max’s remind us to cherish every moment. As New Zealand mourns, it also unites—proving that even in darkness, sunshine can break through.