Hon Chris Penk
Associate Minister for Emergency
Management and Recovery

Cabinet has agreed the Terms of Reference and membership for a Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga, Emergency Management and Recovery Associate Minister Chris Penk has announced.

“Eight people died in the devastating events of 22 January 2026 – two when a landslide struck a property inPāpāmoa’sWelcome Bay Road and six several hours later when a section ofMauaocollapsed on to the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park,” Mr Penk says.

“These events have caused profound grief. For the families and loved ones of those who died, the loss has been devastating. Thatpainhas been shared by the wider Tauranga communityandby peoplethroughoutNew Zealand.

“The Government recognises the significant public concern regarding these tragic events and acknowledges the importance for both the families and the wider community of determining exactly what happened.

“The Inquiry will establish how the fatal landslides occurred, report on whether relevant agencies took appropriate steps to manage any apparent risk in the period immediately prior to the two fatal landslides – including steps to warn and evacuate people likely to be affected by the landslides – and identify any lessons that can be applied to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in future.”

The Inquiry will be led by the Honourable Sir Mark O’Regan, a retired Supreme Court Judge and a former President of the Court of Appeal. He will be supported by Dr Helen Anderson and Steve Symon.

Dr Anderson was the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology for six years (2004-2010), prior to which she was the Chief Science Adviser. She has chaired and contributed to many reviews of technical issues such as the failure of Statistics House in the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and the Christchurch CBD collapse in 2011.

Steve Symon brings additional legal expertise to the Inquiry. He was recently the Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious, Organised Crime. His experience includes serving as a lead lawyer forWorkSafe New Zealandduring the legal proceedings following the 2019Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption.

“Those responsible for the Inquiry willbe requiredto communicate with the families of the victims about its progress. It is my expectation that this engagement will be conducted with respect and sensitivity, and that the work will proceed as efficiently as possible,” Mr Penk says.

The Inquiry will begin considering evidence and information on 30 March and be required to deliver a final report with recommendations by 3 December 2026.

Note:

Terms of Reference - Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga here.

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