New Zealand authorities were working to identify victims of a landslide which hit a busy campground, they said on Saturday, after recovering human remains from the debris overnight.

Heavy rains triggered a landslide at Mount Maunganui on the island's east coast, bringing down soil and rubble at the site in the city ⁠of Tauranga. The campground was crowded with families on summer holidays. 

Six people, including two teenagers and a 20-year-old from Sweden, were presumed dead after rescue efforts ceased and recovery operations began.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was "devastating to receive the news we have all been dreading."

"To the families who have lost loved ones - every New Zealander is grieving ‍with you," Luxon posted on X.

The prime minister visited the site on Friday and met with families of the victims. 

Identification may take time

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said search teams had been working through the slip layer by layer, but no signs of life had been detected from the rubble since voices were heard by the first responders on Thursday.

"This is heartbreaking news for the families and the dozens of people who have been working day and night, hoping for a positive outcome," Anderson said.

Chief Coroner Anna Tutton said her office was now working ​to identify ​victims but warned that it could be a painstaking and complex process.

"I can't say how long the identification process will take but I give my absolute assurance that we will work very carefully," Tutton said in a statement.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery