External review into Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park landslide
We acknowledge the significance of Mauao and the impact the tragic event on Thursday, 22 January 2026 has had on the families who have lost their loved ones, tangata whenua, Mount Maunganui residents and businesses, and the wider community.
The external review report of Hon Paul Davison KSO KC into the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park landslide
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What happened
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.
External review
The day after the tragic landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park Mayor Mahé Drysdale announced an external review will be undertaken.
The decision to proceed with the external review was passed by resolution at a Council meeting on 2 February.
On 12 February, Mayor Mahé Drysdale appointed Hon Paul Davison KSO KC as the independent reviewer to undertake the external review and the review’s Terms of Reference were confirmed.
Hon Paul Davison KSO KC is a retired High Court Judge 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.
In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the external review examines the facts, timeline and decision-making processes leading up to the landslide, the adequacy of risk assessments and monitoring systems, and any lessons or improvements needed to strengthen future safety. The external review is separate from the Government Inquiry and the investigations currently being undertaken by the Coroner, Police and WorkSafe.
View the full Terms of Reference for the external review (121kb pdf)