Six people were unaccounted for after the landslide, and a rescue operation commenced.<\/p>\n
However, that soon became a recovery operation, which remains ongoing, as Disaster Victim Identification and Search and Rescue teams work to recover the remains of those lost.<\/p>\n
Identification hearings have been underway since Wednesday evening, with the first victim formally identified as Max Furse-Kee, on what would have been his 16th birthday.<\/p>\n
Today, in the Tauranga District Court, Detective Sergeant Brent Griffiths presented evidence to Coroner Janet Anderson about the forensic analysis that could establish Knowles\u2019 identity as a victim of the landslide.<\/p>\n
This included forensic odontology, which is focused on ante-mortem dental records compared to the post-mortem examination of the teeth and jaw, and DNA profiling evidence obtained from family members.<\/p>\n
These were the primary forms of identification.<\/p>\n
The secondary forms of identification included physical characteristics \u2013 including her age, height, build \u2013 and her jewellery.<\/p>\n
Coroner Anderson said, having considered the evidence, she was satisfied it was sufficient and reliable in establishing Knowles\u2019 identity.<\/p>\n
She acknowledged Knowles\u2019 family and their \u201ctremendous loss\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that your hearts will be breaking,\u201d Coroner Anderson said.<\/p>\n
She concluded her determination by extending her sincere condolences to Knowles\u2019 family and friends.<\/p>\n
Family pay tribute, thank emergency services, responders<\/p>\n
\u201cSue was a mother, sister, aunty, grandmother and loving wife. Her grandkids called her Granna, she was a friend to many and loved by all,\u201d the family said in a statement released via police today.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn many ways, she was larger than life and will be dearly missed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSue had a positive impact on so many people\u2019s lives, through her work and her hobbies outside of work.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe like to refer to her as an active relaxer, somebody who was always on the go and looking for her next adventure.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur family would like to acknowledge and send our appreciation to everybody who has reached out and sent lovely tributes for Sue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the teams working on the ground are faced with, is by no means anybody\u2019s day to day work, and we will forever be appreciative of everything they have done in these unprecedented circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe digger operators, police staff and Fire and Emergency New Zealand\u2019s Urban Search and Rescue team have worked tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese men and women have turned up day in, day out and worked extremely hard to bring Sue back to us.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have formed so many great relationships with the teams over the last week and their efforts will have a lasting impact on our lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to express our appreciation for local iwi, everybody that has worked on site and the community for all their assistance, love and support that we have been shown.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a Facebook post by Eves Rotorua last weekend, colleagues expressed devastation by the news of Knowles\u2019 death in the landslide.<\/p>\n
The post said Knowles was a valued member of the property management team and \u201can integral part of our wider community\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was known for her kindness and care for those around her, and her loss will be felt by many.\u201d<\/p>\n
A profile on the Eves website said she enjoyed horse riding and mountain biking, along with spending time with her close-knit family.<\/p>\n