The decision to proceed with the external review was passed by resolution at today’s Emergency Council meeting.
The external review is in addition to any independent Crown inquiry, and any other investigation or inquiry by Crown agencies into the landslide, which the Mayor and Councillors also strongly supported.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale opened the meeting with a minute of silence, acknowledging the six people who lost their lives in the landslide, their loved ones and the profound impact the tragedy has had on the Tauranga community.
He expressed gratitude to emergency services, volunteers, tangata whenua, and the wider community for the care and respect they have shown the families who have lost loved ones, a sentiment that was echoed by Deputy Mayor/Mauao Ward Councillor Jen Scoular and other Councillors.
“We are here today in tragic circumstances. The events of the past 12 days have changed lives forever and this devastating loss of life has been felt locally, across the country, and around the world.”
The external review to be undertaken will outline the facts and timeline, along with examining the systems, processes, and decision-making leading up to the landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park.
“This review is about establishing the facts independently, given the scale and seriousness of this event. We have many questions and as governors, on behalf of the community, we must ensure those questions are answered. 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,” says Mahé.
The Mayor and Councillors discussed the need to move carefully and respectfully through the review process in a timely way and with transparency, so any learnings can be incorporated as quickly as possible.
During the meeting, the Mayor was also authorised to approve the Terms of Reference, appoint an external reviewer, and confirm the review timeframes and associated costs once scoping is complete.
The resolution further instructed Tauranga City Council’s Chief Executive, Marty Grenfell, to provide all information requested by the external reviewer, or any other investigation or inquiry, in a timely manner.
Mahé says with multiple reviews, investigations, and inquiries happening concurrently, the Council will continue to work closely with Central Government to reduce duplication. In light of the likely Crown inquiry, this external review will focus on Tauranga City Council’s actions and establishing the facts and timeline, which will be made public and shared with any other processes underway.
All Council meetings are live streamed and recordings can be viewed on Tauranga City Council’s YouTube channel.