Prime Minister Chris Luxon joined the Mount Maunganui community last night, paying tribute to those presumed dead in Thursday's slip

Six people remain unaccounted for.

Emergency services paused recovery work yesterday - after a crack on the maunga prompted fears of another potential slip.

The community came together at Mount Maunganui's Blake Park last night - alongside Luxon, Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell, and Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale.

Luxon says they've all been through a journey with the community over the last few days.