Tauranga Landslide Inquiry Report Delayed to February 2027 for Thorough Review

The Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga will now report back in February 2027, Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced.

The Inquiry was established following the landslides at Mauao Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay Road, Pāpāmoa, which claimed eight lives in January 2026.

The Inquiry’s purpose is to establish how the fatal landslides occurred, report on whether relevant agencies took appropriate steps to manage any apparent risk in the period immediately prior to the two fatal landslides – including steps to warn and evacuate people likely to be affected by the landslides – and identify any lessons that can be applied to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in future.

The Inquiry’s Chair, the Honourable Sir Mark O’Regan, a retired Supreme Court Judge, asked the Government for an extension for the presentation of the final report. It was due to report to the Government in early December this year. Cabinet has agreed to extend the delivery date to 18 February 2027, following the request from the Inquiry Chair, says Ms van Velden.

The Inquiry’s terms of reference state that it must have regard for the Davison Review, an external review commissioned by the Tauranga City Council, if that review was delivered before the conclusion of the Government’s Inquiry. The Davison Review was originally scheduled to be completed by 30 June but was extended twice before being delivered on 19 August 2026. This extension will enable the Inquiry to carefully examine the Davison Review findings.

I know any delay will be disappointing for those awaiting its findings. The families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives, and the affected communities will rightly be wanting answers. At the same time the Government expects to receive a comprehensive report. That is why the Government has agreed to this extension.

Note to editors: Minister van Velden took responsibility for the Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga on 13 August 2026, after the role of Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery was disestablished.