A devastating landslide in New Zealand has claimed the lives of a grandmother and her grandson, who have been identified as the victims of this tragic natural disaster. The incident occurred on Welcome Bay Road at Pāpāmoa on the North Island in the early hours of January 22, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant property damage.
Heartbreaking Loss of Two Generations
Austen Keith Richardson, aged 10, and his grandmother Yao Fang, aged 71, were killed when the landslide struck their area at approximately 4am. The pair shared an exceptionally close bond, with Austen affectionately calling his grandmother "Nai Nai" in recognition of their deep familial connection.
Family's Treasured Final Memories
Austen's parents, Keith and Angel Richardson, released an emotional statement describing their son's vibrant personality and the special relationship he shared with his grandmother. Just days before the tragedy, the family had created lasting memories together during a weekend outing.
"The weekend before the tragedy, we visited the Kumeū Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival before surprising him [Austen] with his dream motocross bike from a mate on the way home," the grieving parents shared. "This will forever be a treasured memory."
A Promising Young Life Cut Short
Austen was described as a gifted young musician with diverse interests including Lego, motorbikes, Pokémon and mathematics. Born in Shanghai, he had moved to New Zealand with his family when he was just eight months old and had recently completed his education at Arataki School.
The talented youngster had been accepted into Bethlehem College and was preparing to begin Year 7 studies. He thrived in his Montessori class, which his parents said perfectly suited his personality and learning style.
Widespread Destruction and Further Tragedy
The landslide that claimed Austen and Yao Fang's lives also destroyed several homes and seriously injured another person. Dramatic footage captured by the NZ Herald showed properties completely submerged in mud, illustrating the sheer force of the natural disaster.
In a separate but related incident, another landslide struck approximately 30 minutes away at a Mount Maunganui holiday park, trapping six people beneath tonnes of mud. Authorities have confirmed that those individuals are unlikely to be found alive, adding to the tragedy's scale.
Remembering Yao Fang's Legacy
Yao Fang was remembered by her family as a beautiful mother and grandmother who was deeply caring, generous, and always prioritised looking after others ahead of herself. She had worked as an architect in China while raising her daughter Angel as a solo parent.
After moving to New Zealand, she embraced outdoor living, tending a flourishing vegetable garden, caring for the family's chickens, and regularly attending the Chinese Methodist Church in Greerton with her family.
Community Mourning and Official Response
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon has acknowledged the tragedy, stating that the families of the six people killed in the Mount Maunganui landslide deserve answers about what happened. The victims from that separate incident include:
- Sharon Maccanico, aged 15
- Max Furse-Kee, aged 15
- Lisa Maclennan, aged 50
- Jacqualine Wheeler, aged 71
- Susan Knowles, aged 71
- Måns Loke Bernhardsson, aged 20
The devastating landslides have left communities across New Zealand's North Island mourning multiple losses while grappling with the destruction of homes and properties. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable power and the fragility of human life in the face of such catastrophic weather events.
