Source: Radio New Zealand
The slip at Mauao, Mount Maunganui as seen from the air. Screengrab / Amy Till
Retired Supreme Court judge Sir Mark O’Regan will lead the government’s inquiry into the Tauranga landslides which killed eight people.
The terms of reference, released on Tuesday, task him with investigating how the landslides occurred and whether relevant agencies took appropriate steps to manage any risk.
That includes whether they missed any opportunities to warn or evacuate people.
Investigators will consider evidence including what agencies already knew about the risk of landslides, as well as the weather forecasts, storm alerts, and any warnings from the public.
The inquiry has no power to determine criminal or disciplinary liability, but can make “findings of fault”.
The government said it does not expect the inquiry to hold public hearings and can seek evidence from overseas, but without travelling itself.
In a statement, the responsible minister Chris Penk said the government recognised the significant public concern surrounding the tragic events and the importance for the families and wider community of determining exactly what happened.
“Those responsible for the Inquiry will be required to 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,” Penk said.
Sir Mark will be assisted by a former public sector boss Helen Anderson and lawyer Steve Symon.
They will start considering evidence at the end of the month, to report back with recommendations by early December.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
