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All recovery operations at Mount Maunganui have been completed and stood down, and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and Search and Rescue teams will leave the scene, police announced on Sunday.
Six people were killed after a massive landslide swept through the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on January 22.
While Police will no longer be working at the scene, technology remains in place to monitor any land movements.
Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson said the cordons will remain in place around Adams Avenue, The Mall and Marine Parade.
“We expect to formally hand the scene over to Tauranga City Council in the coming days,” he said.
“We are very relieved for the families that all their loved ones have now been returned to them,” Anderson said.
“The last 11 days have been extremely difficult for them, waiting for their loved ones to be found and returned to them.”
Mayor praises community
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale acknowledged the end of the operation, and credited everyone who offered support.
“We extend our profound gratitude to all the emergency workers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly and with immense care to bring the missing loved one’s home to their families,” he said.
“It has been humbling to observe how hard everyone worked and came together to provide the families with some closure, with all six missing family members now recovered and identified.”
Drysdale said Mauao was owned by tangata whenua of Tauranga Moana, and praised their presence of kaitiaki (guardianship), and its wrapping of love around the families.
He also thanked civil defence teams, Tauranga City Council, and the wider Tauranga community.
“In times of tragedy, the true strength of Tauranga is revealed in our unity and compassion. We will continue to support one another in the time ahead as the recovery of this tragedy and Mauao continues.”