British News Agency

The landslide occurred at around 09:30 local time at the Beachside Holiday Park, approximately 230 km southeast of Auckland, sweeping away caravans, cars, tents, and a toilet block.

Emergency services reported that search dogs have been deployed as rescue teams search for those trapped beneath the debris.

Fire and emergency commander William Pike said that first responders heard voices coming from beneath the rubble when they arrived at the scene, but have not heard any since. “No one has been rescued yet,” Pike said, adding that teams will continue searching despite the challenging conditions.

Deputy police area commander Tim Anderson said the exact number of missing persons is not yet clear, but it is believed to be in the single digits.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that a young girl is among those missing, and reported that other children may also be missing.