March 18, 2026

#regional: Inquiry launched into fatal Tauranga landslides as calls for answers grow

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 18, 2026

A Government inquiry has been announced into the fatal landslides in Tauranga, as pressure mounts for answers following one of the country’s most tragic natural hazard events in recent years.

The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the January landslides at Mauao in Mount Maunganui, where multiple lives were lost after heavy rainfall triggered a collapse onto a beachfront holiday park.

The disaster, which claimed six lives, has raised serious questions about risk management, public safety and whether earlier action could have prevented the tragedy.

The Government’s decision to establish an inquiry comes alongside other investigations already underway, including a WorkSafe investigation into health and safety responsibilities and a separate review led by Tauranga City Council.

Officials say the inquiry will take a broad look at the lead-up to the landslides, including how risks were identified and managed, the adequacy of warning systems, and whether the systems in place were sufficient to protect those at the site.

The landslides were triggered by intense rainfall across the Bay of Plenty, which destabilised slopes around Mauao and led to multiple failures across the area. Experts have identified dozens of slips on the mountain, with several considered severe and requiring complex engineering responses.

In the immediate aftermath, large sections of Mauao were closed to the public, with exclusion zones put in place and geotechnical assessments continuing to determine the stability of the site.

The inquiry is expected to consider the roles and responsibilities of various agencies, including local authorities and organisations responsible for managing the land and facilities affected by the landslide.

There is also a focus on whether current systems for monitoring natural hazards and responding to severe weather events are adequate, particularly as climate-related risks increase across Aotearoa.

Community concern remains high, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability around how the event unfolded. Families of those who lost their lives are seeking clarity on what happened and whether anything could have been done differently.

The findings of the inquiry are expected to inform future policy and planning, particularly in areas prone to landslides and other natural hazards. There are also expectations that it will lead to changes in how risks are assessed and managed in high-risk environments.

As investigations continue, the tragedy at Mauao has become a stark reminder of the growing impact of extreme weather and the importance of ensuring systems are in place to protect communities.

The inquiry is expected to play a key role in determining how Aotearoa responds to similar risks in the future, as authorities work to balance public safety, environmental factors and the realities of a changing climate.