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.

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. View the Terms of Reference for the External Review.

Hon Paul Davison KSO KC is the independent reviewer leading the Tauranga City Council external review into the 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.

The external review commissioned by the Mayor and Councillors is separate from the Government Inquiry and the investigations currently being undertaken by the Coroner, Police and WorkSafe. More information on the other reviews.

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.