Several people including children are still missing after the landslide at Mount Maunganui - where search teams have been working through the night

The Herald understands from a source involved in the rescue efforts that as many as nine people are unaccounted for.

At least three diggers have been brought in to assist with the search - with fire crews leading efforts to carefully remove layers of debris from the unstable ground.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says the response will continue through today and possibly into tomorrow.

He says geotechnical scientists are still assessing the safety of the mountain.