Tauranga council launches dedicated landslide website

Tauranga City Council has announced the launch of a dedicated website for information and updates about the tragic Mauao landslide that occurred on Thursday, 22 January.

In a statement, the Council said the purpose of the public website was to provide the community with a direct source of information relating to the landslide.

“Since the event, Council has received many information requests under the Local Government Official Information & Meetings Act (LGOIMA), and this website allows us to make information available openly and efficiently in response to those requests,” it stated.

The first tranche of documents, consisting of geotechnical reports and related material, is now available on the website. As further information is collated and prepared it will be progressively added to the website over the coming weeks, Council said.

Council Chief Executive, Marty Grenfell says the proactive release of information on the website was an important step in ensuring transparency for everyone affected by the tragedy and the wider public.

“We are committed to being open with our community. That means sharing as much information as we can, while preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations and the privacy and safety of everyone involved,” said Mr Grenfell.

“Our intention is to provide a timely, open source of information that the public can access.”

The Council confirmed it has notified the Office of the Ombudsman and other stakeholders of its decision to proactively release the information.

“Consistent with our legal responsibilities under LGOIMA, information is being made available unless there is good reason for withholding it.  Where those good reasons exist, we have clearly marked each redaction with the relevant section of LGOIMA,” it stated. 

Further details about the principle of availability and the statutory reasons for withholding information under LGOIMA are available on the website.

There are currently multiple active and independent inquiries underway, including by the Coroner, WorkSafe, Police, and an independent review led by former High Court Judge, Paul Davison KC, with a central government inquiry pending. 

“It is important to allow those processes to run their course, and so Council will not be making any further comment on the information at this time,” the Council statement concluded.