Community Gathers for Vigil Following Tragic Mt Maunganui Slip

A community vigil took place on March 14, 2024, near the Mount Maunganui campsite where five individuals tragically lost their lives in a landslide. More than a hundred people gathered to observe a minute of silence just a week after the incident, reflecting on the profound loss and grief experienced by the community.

The morning vigil, organized by Tanya Golaboski, featured prayers, karakia, and waiata, alongside personal stories shared about Mauao, the Māori name for Mt Maunganui. Golaboski expressed her deep sorrow in the wake of the disaster, stating, “I felt like I needed to do something.” She shared that she had placed flowers at the site as a gesture of remembrance, feeling compelled to unite the community in showing support for the families affected by the tragedy.

Among those honored were Austen Keith Richardson and Yao Fang, who were also victims of the Welcome Bay slip. Golaboski’s initiative gained traction when she posted about the vigil on social media, leading to a strong response from the community.

During the vigil, Sam Uffindell, Member of Parliament for Tauranga, attended to offer his condolences and pay tribute to the victims. He remarked on the significant impact of the tragedy, stating, “It feels very sombre around here at the moment. It’s rocked the whole community.” Uffindell noted that the disaster had also highlighted the strength and unity of the community, with numerous offers of support flooding in.

As the clock approached 09:30, the time when the landslide occurred, Golaboski encouraged attendees to gather closer, saying, “So the aroha flows through us all.” Following the minute of silence, Teariki Taumata recounted the story of Mauao, a mountain shaped by the heartache of its history.

The vigil also provided a platform for attendees to share personal connections to the mountain. One participant reflected on her memories walking its tracks with her grandmother and mother, stating, “People laugh at me but the mountain talks to me, it always does and it always will.”

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude towards Golaboski for organizing the gathering, highlighting the importance of community in times of grief. “We’re all feeling the pain, grief, and it’s been important to be here and experience the music, the waiata,” Uffindell added.

In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Tauranga continues to come together, offering support and solidarity as they navigate through this difficult time.