Multiple families are in tears amid the heavy-duty search equipment.

Politicians followed tradition and gathered at Rātana today.

“I met one parent, he was from Italy. He knows two of his children are still in there.”

The family of Canadian backpacker Piper James have received the preliminary findings from her autopsy results after she was found dead on a beach on the Queensland island K'gari.

James was found surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes earlier this week, with police unable to conclude whether she had drowned or been fatally attacked by the animals.

Her father Todd James told 9News tonight that he had received the preliminary findings from his daughter's autopsy as tests continue on other samples taken from her body.

READ MORE: One state to swelter through heatwave as another braces for floods

The preliminary findings show evidence of fluid on the 19-year-old's lungs but it remains unclear how the fluid entered her body, whether it was through puncture wounds or inhaling water and whether the fluid entered her body before or after she was wounded by the dingoes.

Further testing will need to be undertaken and the results could take up to two months.

Todd told 9News the family was relieved the results meant her body could be released back to her family in Canada.

Todd also said he and his wife Angela had been invited to attend an Indigenous smoking ceremony on K'gari, which they said they would be honoured to accept.

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A police scene guard is in place as a full forensic examination continues.

The family of a teenage woman stabbed outside of her Melbourne home has provided an update on her recovery.

Leija Michael was returning from an evening out with friends when she was attacked by a man she knew at 1am in Kew on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old was taken to hospital with what police initially feared were life-threatening injuries.

READ MORE: Police open fire in Melbourne after police car allegedly rammed

Her parents released a statement through Ruyton Girls' School today which thanked emergency services and hospital teams for the "exceptional care provided".

"We are pleased to confirm our daughter is now in a stable condition," her family said.

Police believe the 18-year-old was ambushed outside her home by Lachlan Starick.

His body was later found on a rural property near the South Australian border.

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At least 15 Auckland beaches now carry ‘do not swim’ alerts.

Tauranga mayor confirms reports of slips at Mount Maunganui from as early as 5am.

Families held a dawn karakia as crews continued recovery efforts into day two.

‘We use those hot pools and we can walk around the Mount … it’s devastating.’