\u201cWe definitely looked at that,\u201d Kennings said. \u201cBut we were working with [the] council who said \u2018We are open for business\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Surfers form a ring at sea in tribute to those lost in the Mount Maunganui landslide. Photo \/ Anna Heath <\/p>\n
Kennings said the decision was made to proceed with the competition, while ensuring space was created to acknowledge the loss felt by the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe paddle-out was an important way for everyone involved in the event to come together and pay their respects,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Paddle-outs are a long-standing tradition within surf culture, often held to honour surfers who have died or to show solidarity during times of tragedy.<\/p>\n
Surfers typically paddle into the water, form a circle and reflect together, reinforcing the close bond between the ocean and the surfing community.<\/p>\n
Local surfers said the scale of the paddle-out reflected both the popularity of the Grom Comp and the deep sense of connection surfers feel to each other and to the mountain.<\/p>\n
Bay Boardriders and Surfing New Zealand acknowledged the support shown by the wider community and said their thoughts remained with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.<\/p>\n
The six people killed in the Mauao landslide have been formally identified as Pakuranga College student couple Max Furse-Kee<\/a> and Sharon Maccanico, both 15<\/a>; Rotorua friends Susan Doreen Knowles<\/a> and Jacqualine Wheeler<\/a>, both 71; Swedish tourist M\u00e5ns Loke Bernhardsson, 20; and Morrinsville teacher Lisa Anne Maclennan<\/a>, 50.<\/p>\nPolice cordons remained on Saturday after it was announced some specialist teams would withdraw from the recovery operation, nine days after a tragic landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park. Photo \/ Anna Heath <\/p>\n