The inquiry is examining:
The causes of the fatal slips.Did the relevant agencies take appropriate steps to warn and evacuate people?Are there lessons that can be learned to reduce future risk?
It is being led by retired Supreme Court judge and former Court of Appeal president Sir Mark O’Regan, supported by Dr Helen Anderson and lawyer Steve Symon.
The inquiry began considering evidence and information on March 30 and is expected to deliver a final report, including recommendations, by December 3.
A grandmother and her grandson died in a landslide on Welcome Bay Rd, Pāpāmoa. Photo / Dean Purcell
A statement released by the Government today said the inquiry wanted to hear from members of the public with information about how the two landslides occurred.
O’Regan also asked for information about whether agencies took appropriate steps to manage any risks immediately before the two fatal landslides, including any efforts to warn and evacuate.
The statement said the inquiry wanted the public to help identify any lessons which would prevent similar tragedies.
O’Regan said the inquiry recognised the significant impact the landslides had on the victims’ families and friends, iwi and communities.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone who has experienced loss as a result of these tragic events.
“This submission process is an important opportunity for the public to share their experiences and perspectives.”
Geotechnical engineers assess Mauao’s landslide damage in June, while the mountain remains closed after the January 22 fatal landslide. Photo / Alyse Wright
O’Regan said they were interested in any information that had not already been provided to police.
“Information on insurance claims or matters relating to individual properties, or information about rescue and recovery at either site are outside the scope of the inquiry’s terms of reference.”
He said the inquiry had already undertaken site visits, met with affected families and iwi, and had begun gathering evidence.
The inquiry was one of four ongoing investigations into the landslides.
Tauranga City Council and WorkSafe have also commissioned investigations into the landslides.
Police and the Coroner are also investigating.
Submissions to the Government inquiry can be made via an online portal: https://consultations.dia.govt.nz/tauranga-fatal-landslides-inquiry/submissions/.
The portal will open tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21 and close on August 11, 5pm.
Members of the public can use the portal to upload video footage and photos, and to share information relevant to the inquiry’s terms of reference, including drone footage and rain gauge measurements.
Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.