Source: Radio New Zealand
The slip at Mauao, Mount Maunganui, as seen from the air on 22 January. Screengrab / Amy Till
Tauranga City Council has announced an independent review into the events leading up to Thursday’s landslide at the base of Mauao, as local iwi Ngāi Te Rangi say they are seeking a thorough investigation into the cause of the slip.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale and council chief executive Marty Grenfell confirmed the review on Friday, describing the landslide as an incident of “local, national and international importance”.
“The landslide and its impacts on those affected and their families clearly represents a serious and significant incident,” Drysdale said.
Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale at the scene of a landslide at Mount Maunganui on 22 January 2025. RNZ
“It is important that we have a clear and accurate understanding of the facts and events leading up to the landslide, so that we can ensure that the future safety of the community is appropriately safeguarded.”
The slip came down at about 9.30am on Thursday at the Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui, smashing into campervans, tents, vehicles and an ablution block near the Mount Hot Pools.
Police said six people, including two teenagers, remain missing, while they are seeking information on the whereabouts of three others believed to be overseas tourists.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and police continue to treat the operation as a rescue, with specialist Urban Search and Rescue teams working in what authorities have described as an unstable and high-risk environment.
A bird’s eye view of the slip at Mount Hot Pools, Mt Maunganui on 22 January. Alan Gibson – GIBSON IMAGES LTD
Drysdale said the scope of the independent review, who would lead it, and the timeframe for delivering findings were still being worked through.
“Given the gravity of this tragic situation, it’s important that a person with the requisite skills, experience, and level of public trust is selected,” he said.
Key aspects of the review would include establishing and reviewing all relevant facts in the lead-up to the landslide, he said, but it would not replace any other formal processes that may be initiated.
“This review is about establishing the facts independently, given the scale and seriousness of this event,” Drysdale said.
The aftermath of a landslide at Mount Hot Pools in Mount Maunganui on January 22. Dion Siluch
“As council, on behalf of the families and the whole community, we need to understand the facts and ensure that in the lead-up to this tragedy, everything was done that was appropriate in the circumstances.”
He said the council’s immediate focus remained on supporting affected families and those involved in the rescue operation.
Ngāi Te Rangi deputy chief executive Roimata Ah Sam said the iwi was heartbroken by the tragedy and had sent prayers and thoughts to those still missing.
“We hope everybody will be found alive and well.”
Ah Sam acknowledged the work of emergency services and said the iwi was deliberately staying clear of the site to allow responders to do their jobs.
“Everybody should be immensely proud of the fire service, police and the Civil Defence,” she said.
However, she said Ngāi Te Rangi expected a full investigation into the cause of the landslide.
“There has been a lot of work done on Mauao,” Ah Sam said.
“So, we look forward to a thorough investigation into why this occurred. And we look forward to working alongside authorities to rebuild our maunga.”
Police District Commander Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson has said the number of people unaccounted for remains in single figures, and that police would reassess “day by day” when the operation may shift from rescue to recovery.
Police District Commander Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson speaks to the media on 22 January. Calvin Samuel / RNZ
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell said the risk of further slips was a “massive consideration”, noting geoscientists were on site and nearby facilities had been evacuated as a precaution.
A wide cordon remains in place around the mountain, which is closed to the public, and a rāhui has been imposed. Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to stay away from the area to allow rescue teams to work safely.
The council review is expected to examine warnings, land stability, and any actions taken before the landslide.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
