Sharon Maccanico, 15, was one of six people killed when a landslide tore through a Mount Maunganui campground . Photo: Avellino Today
Tributes are continuing to pour in for 15-year-old Sharon Maccanico, one of six people caught when a landslide tore through a Mount Maunganui campground on Thursday.
The Auckland teenager, originally from southern Italy, was described as a gifted dancer and a devoted friend.
Pakuranga College confirmed Sharon was among two of its students who died in the tragedy, alongside Max Furse-Kee, also 15.
The school said it had been in close contact with both families and described the news as "deeply impacting" for staff and students.
Counselling and well-being support will be prioritised as the college community grapples with the loss under "incredibly sad circumstances."
"It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of two Pakuranga College students, Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico, in the tragedy at Mount Maunganui," the college said in a statement.
"The college has been in contact with both families to express our heartfelt sympathy and aroha. Many members of the college have been deeply impacted by the news, and we are working to support students and staff in the coming days and weeks."
Sharon was also remembered fondly by Howick Intermediate School, where she was a student in 2022 and 2023.
"Sharon was very involved in dance at the school, participating in many groups and performances," the school said.
"Our thoughts and aroha are with Sharon's whānau during this heartbreaking time."
Tributes from Auckland's dance community described her as a familiar face.
A statement from Identity Dance Company said Sharon had been part of the group for many years and was known for her enthusiasm.
"She was an incredible presence - wildly talented, kind, and so deeply loved," the post said.
"She was a huge part of the community and known across Auckland for her kindness, support, and dedication to showing up wherever dance was happening. Her energy, spirit, and light will never be forgotten."
In Italy, her death has been mourned by a tight-knit community in Picarelli, a small town in the municipality of Avellino, where she was born.
Italian media reported that relatives and locals gathered at the town's church in the days after the landslide as news filtered through from New Zealand.
Avellino Today reported Sharon was widely known in the town, despite moving to New Zealand.
RNZ understands Sharon's parents travelled to Mount Maunganui as the search and recovery operation unfolded.
A candlelight vigil held at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui on Sunday drew hundreds of locals to honour the six victims.
Flowers, handwritten notes and messages of aroha were left near the cordon at the campground.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who attended the vigil, described the landslide as a "senseless tragedy".
Alongside Sharon and Max, the other victims were Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua; and Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha.
The formal identification of victims is being carried out through the Coroners Court.
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