External review into Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park landslide
An independent external review into the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park landslide is being completed.
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The findings of the independent external review into the tragic landslide at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on 22 January 2026 will be publicly released by 21 August 2026.
The review was commissioned by Tauranga's Mayor and Councillors and is being undertaken by retired High Court Judge, Hon Paul Davison KSO KC.
Under its Terms of Reference, the external review will examine the circumstances leading up to the landslide, including decision-making processes and the systems in place at the time. It will consider lessons that can be learned and improvements needed to strengthen future safety practices.
The external review is separate from the Government Inquiry and the investigations currently being undertaken by the Coroner, Police and WorkSafe.
Latest media statement
External Review frequently asked questions
On 21 January 2026, a state of emergency was declared across the Bay of Plenty region. Tauranga experienced extreme rainfall, with 199.3mm recorded on 21 January and a further 96.1mm on 22 January. This severe weather caused widespread damage across our city and region, including multiple landslides and damage to infrastructure.
Mauao, our city's treasured maunga (mountain), was particularly affected. Forty-two landslides occurred and, tragically, a large landslide above Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park claimed the lives of six people. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives across the region on 22 January, and with their families and loved ones. The devastating impacts of this weather event will continue to be felt by our city and our people for many years to come.
Soon after the landslide took place, the Mayor and Councillors initiated an external review into the circumstances leading up to the tragic event.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale has appointed Hon Paul Davison KC as the independent reviewer to undertake the Tauranga City Council external review of the tragic landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on 22 January 2026.
Hon Paul Davison KC is a retired judge of the High Court who also sat as a member of a Divisional Court of Appeal. He retired from the High Court in 2023 and has since resumed practice at the Bar as a mediator, arbitrator, and provider of litigation and consultancy advice.
Hon Davison has appeared as counsel before several major commissions of inquiry, notably including the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Air New Zealand DC 10 accident at Mt Erebus. Last year, he undertook the government-appointed role of Independent Arbiter responsible for determining financial redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit.
The external review will consider:
- the facts, timeline and decision-making processes in the lead up to the landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park
- the adequacy of risk assessments and monitoring systems
- any lessons or improvements needed to strengthen future safety
Mayor Mahé says that while the Terms of Reference are focused on the immediate period in the lead up to the landslide, the scope allows all relevant information to be considered, within any timeframe, if Mr Davison believes it is appropriate.
The external review is expected to be completed by the middle of 2026.
View the full Terms of Reference for the external review (121kb pdf)
Read the media release