Lisa Maclennan, 50, worked at Morrinsville Intermediate School. Photo: Supplied / Givealittle
A third victim of the deadly Mt Maunganui landslide has been formally identified as Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, who was hailed as a hero after giving warning to others at the campground.
Her body was found on January 27, five days after the slip.
Six people were killed in the campground slip last Thursday.
At an identification hearing at Tauranga District Court on Friday, Coroner Heather McKenzie told Maclennan's family joining by video link, to rest assured she was at the heart of the identification and a human being.
"I am so very sorry for your loss, I extend to you my sincerest condolences," she told them.
"I didn't have the privilege of meeting Lisa, but I do have the privilege of meeting you via this link today as you join us in the courtroom."
Maclennan was identified with the help of DNA, dental records and a butterfly tattoo above her ankle.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Griffiths told the Coroner the evidence established her identity to the required legal standard.
Coroner McKenzie said the evidence before her was the culmination of specialist work undertaken by police staff, forensic staff and many others.
It was evidence she accepted, she said.
Maclennan's husband, Travis, said his family were devastated by the loss.
"Lisa was a cherished daughter, mother, aunty, sister, grandmother (Nan Nan) and wife, and we all loved her dearly," the statement said.
"Lisa was very spontaneous and adventurous.
"She was always looking for new things to do and would never shy away from a challenge."
Travis said Lisa was fully devoted to her job as a learning assistant and loved working with young people that had challenges in their learning.
"She loved nothing more than seeing students succeed and overcome personal obstacles," he said.
"That is one thing, among many, that we loved about her, and know the whole community did too.
"She was incredibly selfless and would often sacrifice things for other people."
Travis said his wife would be missed immensely.
Lisa had been a literacy centre tutor at Morrinsville Intermediate School.
A Givealittle page set up by her sister had raised more than $35k for the Morrinsville teacher's family.
"She lost her life trying to save everyone else," the page said.
"We cannot put a value on the loss of a loved one but any donations will make a difference and help this whanau through this extremely difficult time."
Many donors commented on Maclennan's work with Morrinsville Intermediate School students over the years, while others paid tribute to the final acts of a "courageous, selfless woman".
A woman present at the campsite on the morning of the landslide said Maclennan had woken her up shortly before 5am to warn her a slip had pushed her campervan forward.
"She took control. She was making sure everyone was safe. She was, you know, literally rounding people and making sure they were all safe, and being the organiser.
"Lisa [Maclennan] and her husband were amazing. And if it hadn't been for them there, I would imagine that there would have been many more people."
On Wednesday, the first victim was formally identified as Max Furse-Kee. His identity was released on the same day he would have turned 16.
The next day, Thursday, Måns Loke Bernhardsson, a 20-year-old Swedish tourist was also formally identified.
Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, Susan Doreen Knowles, 71 and Sharon Maccanico, 15, remain unaccounted for.
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