Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga
Cabinet has agreed the Terms of Reference and membership for a Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga.
Eight people died in the devastating events of 22 January 2026 – two when a landslide struck a property in Pāpāmoa’s Welcome Bay Road and six several hours later when a section of Mauao collapsed on to the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park.These events have caused profound grief. For the families and loved ones of those who died, the loss has been devastating. That pain has been shared by the wider Tauranga community and by people throughout New Zealand. The Government recognises the significant public concern regarding these tragic events and acknowledges the importance for both the families and the wider community of determining exactly what happened.
The Inquiry will 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 will be led by the Honourable Sir Mark O’Regan, a retired Supreme Court Judge and a former President of the Court of Appeal. He will be supported by Dr Helen Anderson and Steve Symon.
If you’ve been following the conflict in the Middle East - playing out over the last couple of weeks, you’re probably wondering what it means for you and what your Government is doing about it. New Zealand is not immune from the fallout. Kiwis can rightly ask what it means for us here, the impact on our cost of living, jobs and incomes.
Whatever happens, our Government will deliver the responsible economic and fiscal management needed. The good news is – according to the latest advice from Treasury – we are in the best position we have been in for years to deal with a shock like this. Treasury’s latest forecasts suggested the economy was expected to grow by 3% or more in 2026 and 2027, debt to be lower than expected and the books to be back in surplus sooner than expected.
That was before Iran – so things could change. But it reinforces the need to make sensible economic decisions to ensure we can deal with challenges like these. It is only by growing the economy that we can get the books in order, lift incomes, create jobs and help Kiwis with the cost of living, especially in an uncertain world.
Through the COVID-19 years, debt ballooned by $100 billion, the economy overheated and inflation skyrocketed to more than 7 per cent. Kiwis are still dealing with the fallout from this now. We cannot go back to major spend-ups that create long-term pain for a short-term sugar rush. Our disciplined approach has seen inflation and interest rates fall, and growth come back to the economy.
We are making sensible economic decisions to help Kiwis with the cost of living, create jobs and lift incomes – and ensure we are well prepared for whenever bumps in the road might hit.
Major events mean more money flowing into restaurants, shops and hotels. It helps create more jobs and lift incomes for Kiwis.
Parents - this one’s for you....
We’re making ERO reports easier to understand, with more useful information so that you can be more involved in your child’s education.
Great couple of days at the Wānaka A&P Show with my friend and local MP Miles Anderson MP for Waitaki
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the National Party stand, really appreciated the great feedback about the work we’re doing to make life easier for our farmers and growers, and to back our rural communities.
Huge shout-out to the volunteers and organisers who make this event so special!
The Jack Russell Race is one of the highlights of the Wānaka A&P Show. So good
Can’t beat Sunday afternoon at Pāpāmoa Beach. Penny is already in training for next year’s Jack Russell race.
If you’ve ever wondered what a day of mine looks like as your local MP?
Check out the video here: Facebook
Good progress being made on law and order, and it’s a great chance to hear what’s happening on the ground locally while also passing on the feedback I’m getting from you. We have an amazing local Police team, and I can’t thank them enough for the work they do.
Attended the Seniors Expo in Taupo recently with Louise Upston MP.
Big turnout, lots of great chats, and lovely to see everyone.
Spent time at Otawa Scenic Reserve with Waitaha and Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust, learning more about the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project.
Eight iwi-led teams are restoring 7,500 hectares of native bush and have removed more than 33,700 pests since 2021, helping protect biodiversity and reduce erosion risk.
Honeybees brought to New Zealand
19 March 1839
Sketch of bee storage chamber, c. 1840s (William Charles Cotton, My bee book, 1842)
Mary Bumby, the sister of a Methodist missionary, was probably the person who introduced honeybees to New Zealand. She brought two hives ashore when she landed at Mangungu Mission Station in Hokianga in March 1839.
While New Zealand had two native species of bees, neither was suitable for producing honey. The Reverend Richard Taylor, Eliza Hobson, James Busby and William Cotton were all early hive owners. In 1848 Cotton wrote a manual for New Zealand beekeepers, describing the basics of bee husbandry and honey production.
The New Zealand bush proved to be a hospitable environment for bees, and the number of wild colonies multiplied rapidly, especially in the Bay of Islands. Isaac Hopkins, regarded as the father of beekeeping in New Zealand, observed that by the 1860s bee nests in the bush were plentiful, and considerable quantities of honey were being sold by Māori – the country’s first commercial beekeepers.
In the late 1870s, the production of honey in New Zealand was stimulated by the introduction of the Langstroth hive, the moveable-frame beehive model still used.
Oranga Tamariki showing strong progress against key targets
The latest data from Oranga Tamariki has shown significant improvement in performance against vital targets, leading to safer children and communities.
Minister welcomes clear plan for greyhound rehoming
Racing Minister, Winston Peters has welcomed proposed plans to rehome greyhounds, as the transition away from greyhound racing continues.
Energy Minister attending Energy Security Forum
Energy Minister Simon Watts is travelling to Japan to join international leaders and businesses at the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum.
Moving health decisions closer to home
From 1 July, decision-making within Health New Zealand will shift closer to patients, communities, and hospitals, ensuring decisions are made in the right place at the right time so Kiwis get better access to care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
More staff, extra beds as hospitals prepare for winter
Health New Zealand will invest an additional $25 million to boost hospital capacity, increase staffing, and prepare the health system for higher demand over the busy winter months, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
SH35 open around the clock
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced the end of night closures on State Highway 35, restoring 24-hour access to the important East Coast route following severe weather events at the start of the year.
Bill introduced to cut red tape and modernise alcohol law
A Bill is being introduced to reform alcohol laws as part of the Government’s work to unleash New Zealanders and businesses from the stranglehold of red tape and support economic growth, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee and Regulation Minister David Seymour say.
Rock NZ: Robbie Williams goes global for Kiwis
Global pop superstar Robbie Williams is bringing his BRITPOP world tour to New Zealand this November, thanks to support from the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package.
Kura Toa gives students more options in Term 3 2026
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced that Kura Toa will open as an iwi led charter school in Term 3 2026.
Charlotte’s Change” to provide redress for more survivors of abuse in mental health care
The Government is taking action to provide redress for more survivors of abuse in care, to include survivors of State-run mental health facilities from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2022.
Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill to hold people to account for serious offending
The Government will introduce the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill to Parliament this afternoon, a package of practical and targeted changes to strengthen New Zealand’s immigration system and ensure it remains fit for today’s challenges.
Fuel stocks remain healthy, monitoring steps up
The latest data on fuel stocks shows New Zealand continues to hold healthy levels of petrol, diesel and jet fuel, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
Genomic trial brings testing home for Kiwis with cancer and rare disorders
New Zealanders with cancer and rare disorders will benefit from faster, locally delivered genomic testing through a new clinical pilot being launched by Health New Zealand, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Waikato Steel Manufacturing Project Fast-tracked
A structural steel manufacturing plant that will help build the future of New Zealand’s infrastructure has been approved through Fast-track.
Ara hub celebrates 10 years of airport jobs
Minister of Social Development and Employment Louise Upston is marking 10 years of the Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, which trains and connects people to jobs across the Auckland Airport precinct.
McClay to lead cross-party delegation to WTO negotiation
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay travels to Cameroon this weekend for the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), where he will again serve as a Vice Chair of the negotiations.
Education delegation heads to Australia for maths engagements
Education Minister Erica Stanford is heading to Australia with an education delegation of 15 principals and deputy principals to attend the Maths Fact Fluency Masterclass and Explicit Mathematics Conference.
Call for proposals to restore the historic Chateau Tongariro
Proposals are being sought from experienced operators to restore and operate the historic Chateau Tongariro and its associated buildings, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Final data shows Term 4 attendance continues to rise
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes final Term 4 attendance data, which shows attendance rates were higher than any Term 4 since 2022. Daily attendance data also shows Term 1 this year is off to a good start.
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Thanks,
Tom.