A heartbreaking act of heroism has emerged from the deadly landslide at Mount Maunganui, where a teacher is being remembered for saving multiple lives in the moments before disaster struck — even though she could not save herself.

As authorities continue to investigate the landslide that tore through a popular camping and recreation area, survivors have begun sharing powerful accounts of courage, sacrifice, and split-second decisions that meant the difference between life and death.

Among them is the story of a teacher whose instincts to protect others never wavered, even as the ground collapsed around her.

“She told people to run”

A camper who survived the landslide said the teacher immediately recognized the danger when rocks began falling from the cliff above.

“She started yelling for everyone to get out, to move now,” the survivor recalled. “She didn’t freeze. She didn’t hesitate. She was trying to save people.”

Witnesses say the teacher helped direct campers — including families and children — away from the danger zone as debris began raining down. Several survivors believe they are alive today because of her quick actions.

“She absolutely saved lives,” one camper said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

Disaster strikes in seconds

The landslide occurred without warning, sending large sections of rock and earth crashing down onto tents, walkways, and vehicles below. The impact turned a peaceful seaside location into chaos within moments.

Emergency responders described a scene of devastation when they arrived: crushed camping gear, damaged vehicles, and debris scattered across the site. Search and rescue teams worked urgently to locate survivors and recover those trapped beneath the rubble.

Despite her efforts to help others escape, the teacher was caught in the collapse and suffered fatal injuries.

A life defined by care for others

Those who knew the teacher say her actions during the landslide reflected the person she was every day.

“She was the kind of teacher who always put students first,” a colleague said. “It doesn’t surprise anyone that she did the same in her final moments.”

Parents and fellow educators described her as deeply committed, compassionate, and instinctively protective — qualities that became tragically evident during the disaster.

Her death has left students, colleagues, and the wider community grieving the loss of a woman remembered not only for how she died, but for how she lived.

Survivors credit her with saving children

Several campers have spoken about how the teacher’s warnings helped families escape just in time — particularly children who were playing near the base of the cliff.

“She was shouting for parents to grab their kids,” one witness said. “If she hadn’t reacted when she did, this could have been so much worse.”

Authorities have not released an official count of how many people were directly saved by her actions, but multiple survivors independently credit her with preventing further loss of life.

Community mourns a quiet hero

As news of her actions spread, tributes poured in from across the community. Flowers, notes, and messages of gratitude appeared near the site of the landslide, many honoring her bravery and selflessness.

Local officials described her as a hero whose actions embodied the very best of humanity during unimaginable circumstances.

“This is someone who saw danger and chose others over herself,” one official said. “That is the definition of courage.”

Questions remain about safety

While attention has focused on the teacher’s heroism, questions are also being raised about safety measures at the site.

Geologists are now examining the cliff face to determine what caused the collapse and whether warning signs existed. Authorities have not indicated negligence but confirmed that a full review will be conducted.

Experts note that coastal cliffs can become unstable due to erosion, weather conditions, and underground water movement — factors that can cause sudden collapses with little warning.

A tragedy that could have been worse

Emergency responders say the outcome could have been far more devastating if not for the quick reactions of individuals like the teacher.

“Her actions changed the outcome,” a rescue worker said. “There’s no question about that.”

While the loss of her life has left a deep wound, many survivors say they will carry her legacy forward by remembering the courage she showed in the face of danger.

“She saved us, but couldn’t save herself”

For those who escaped the landslide, the memory is bittersweet.

“She saved us,” one survivor said quietly. “But she couldn’t save herself. That’s something I’ll never forget.”

As Mount Maunganui begins to heal, the story of the teacher’s final moments stands as a powerful reminder that heroism often happens without cameras, applause, or expectation — sometimes at the ultimate cost.

Her name may fade from headlines, but for the people she saved, her courage will never be forgotten.