His emotional account comes as authorities continue to investigate what exactly unfolded at the popular coastal destination and as loved ones, friends, and community members attempt to process the sudden loss of multiple lives. The tragedy, which occurred near the base of the iconic Mt Maunganui landmark, shook the wider region as rescue teams worked through the day to retrieve and identify the victims involved.

In his statement, Maclennan’s husband said he “misses her immensely,” adding that the last time he saw her alive was “a moment that I keep replaying over and over.” He described how she had seemed calm, peaceful even, before something took a sudden and devastating turn. Though he hesitated to share the most private details, he wanted people to understand that the moments leading up to the tragedy were filled not with chaos, but with a sense of normalcy that made the events that followed even more difficult to comprehend. He said that holding onto her final words has been both a comfort and a knife to the heart.

Emergency responders had been dispatched after reports of a serious incident involving multiple individuals. Their attempts to reach those in distress were hampered by treacherous conditions in certain areas near the water and tracks that surround the base of the mountain. Witnesses described a large mobilisation of rescue staff, including surf lifesavers, police officers, paramedics, and local volunteers who rushed to assist despite uncertain and dangerous terrain. The confirmation that Lisa Anne Maclennan was the third victim came hours later, when the recovery process concluded and next-of-kin had been notified.

Her husband expressed gratitude to the rescue personnel, acknowledging the difficulty of their work and the emotional burden of responding to such scenes. “They did everything they could,” he said quietly, “and I want them to know I appreciate every single person who tried to bring our loved ones home.” His voice trembled as he spoke, often pausing as grief overtook him. He emphasised that the responders showed tremendous compassion and respect throughout the process, something he said he would never forget.

Friends of the family say the couple had been looking forward to spending peaceful time together near the water, an area they often visited to unwind. Those who knew Lisa described her as warm, gentle, and deeply supportive of the people around her. They said she was the kind of person who offered comfort before being asked and who carried herself with kindness even in difficult times. The news of her death has left many devastated, with loved ones struggling to accept that an ordinary outing could end in such heartbreak.

Authorities have yet to release full details of the circumstances surrounding the deaths, citing ongoing investigations and the need to respect the privacy of families during a period of intense grief. Officials acknowledged that the environment around the mountain, despite being a popular tourist spot, contains areas that can quickly become hazardous, particularly during certain weather patterns or tidal conditions. They stated that more information would be released once the coroner’s examination is complete and all evidence has been reviewed.

The area around Mt Maunganui, including the beach and the walking tracks circling its base, remained partially restricted for several hours as emergency teams secured the scene. Visitors expressed shock and sadness, with some describing an eerie stillness that hung over the normally vibrant and crowded waterfront. One witness said it “didn’t feel like a normal day,” noting that people lowered their voices and moved gently, as if instinctively reacting to the solemn atmosphere.

Maclennan’s husband said that what makes the tragedy so painful is that nothing about the start of the day seemed unusual. They had woken up with plans, exchanged ordinary conversations, and enjoyed the kind of small, comfortable moments that couples cherish. “I remember thinking how lucky I was,” he said, wiping his eyes. “There was no sign it would be the last time I’d hear her voice.” His memories of that morning, he added, now feel suspended in time — vibrant, clear, and unbearably close.

He recounted moments of disbelief when emergency teams tried to explain the situation to him. At first, he said, he simply could not grasp the meaning of their words. Even as the reality sank in, part of him kept expecting someone to make a mistake, for someone to say she had been found alive, for the impossible to somehow become possible. “There’s a moment where your mind refuses to accept it,” he said. “It feels like the world tilts, and you’re just hanging on, hoping you misunderstood.”

Community members in the Bay of Plenty region have begun organising support networks for families affected by the tragedy. Local counsellors, community leaders, and grief support groups have stepped forward to offer assistance, acknowledging the impact such a sudden and devastating event can have on mental health. The tight-knit nature of the community means that loss reverberates widely, touching not just family and friends but also neighbours, colleagues, and even strangers who feel connected through shared grief.

Tributes for Lisa Anne Maclennan have emerged on social media, with friends posting photos, stories, and words of remembrance. Many expressed admiration for her gentle nature and the positive impact she had on people around her. Others reflected on how fragile life can be, urging loved ones to cherish their relationships. One commenter wrote, “She had a way of making everyone feel valued — even if she only met you once.” Another person who knew her described her as “the kind of person whose absence changes the air in a room.”

Her husband said he hopes people remember her not for the way she died, but for the life she lived — for her smile, her compassion, her steadiness, and her unwavering support for the people she cared about. He said she was someone who believed in looking for the good in the world and who encouraged others to do the same. “If there’s anything I want people to know,” he said, “it’s that she loved deeply. And she was deeply loved.”

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging visitors to Mt Maunganui to remain cautious and attentive to safety guidelines, particularly when exploring areas with unpredictable conditions. They emphasised that while the landmark remains one of the most visited and admired locations in the region, respect for nature and awareness of environmental risks are essential.

Maclennan’s family is expected to hold a private memorial service, allowing them space to honour her memory away from public attention. Her husband said that while nothing could lessen the pain, he finds some comfort in knowing that the last moments they shared were peaceful and filled with love. He said he will continue to carry those moments with him, even as he struggles to navigate the profound loss.

The tragedy at Mt Maunganui has left a heavy imprint on the community, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the suddenness with which everything can change. For the husband mourning his wife, the path forward will be challenging, but he hopes that by sharing her story, people will hold their loved ones closer, appreciate time more deeply, and remember that even in pain, love remains.