Tauranga's He Maimai Aroha - Community Care Centre opened its doors on Sunday morning and welcomed members of the community to mourn the outcome of the Mt Maunganui landslide.
Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale said the community was grieving with the families, and this was a place for everyone to reflect, share messages and seek comfort.
"We got the tragic outcome yesterday that we hoped wouldn't happen and, you know, we've now got to deal with that."
"For me personally, yes, it does take a heavy toll. However, you know, I've just been with the families and I know how much harder it is for them."
He said the biggest concern now was making sure those that are helping with the recovery are safe.
"The last thing we want to do is, you know, have another situation like this."
Searchers at the scene on Sunday entered day two of what has been termed the recovery phase, following the announcement from officials that it is highly unlikely anyone would have survived.
On Saturday human remains were found at the site, and the six people believed to have been caught in the landslide were named by police.
Police also announced on Saturday evening that a body was found in the search for a missing driver who was swept away in a car in the Mahurangi River, near Warkworth, on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, repairs after storm damage are underway, and access to some Northland communities isolated since last Sunday has been restored.
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