Key Takeaways:
- A camper contacted emergency services three hours before a deadly landslide at the Mount Maunganui campground, reporting a disorder incident and a potential landslip.
- Police did not attend the scene as it was unclear if the disorder resulted in any property damage.
- A local council representative was seen driving through the campground about two hours before the landslide, but it is unclear if they were aware of the potential danger.
- An independent government inquiry has been called for to investigate the events leading up to the landslide.
- The Tauranga City Council has initiated its own independent review, but there are concerns about its impartiality.
Introduction to the Incident
The Mount Maunganui campground tragedy has raised questions about the response of emergency services and local authorities to a potential landslip. A camper who contacted emergency services at 6:18 am on the morning of the landslide reported a disorder incident and a potential landslip. However, police did not attend the scene as it was unclear if the disorder resulted in any property damage. The camper’s call was made three hours before the deadly landslide, which claimed the lives of six people, including Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, Sharon Maccanico, 15, and Max Furse-Kee, 15.
Response of Emergency Services
The response of emergency services to the potential landslip has been called into question. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) received a 111 call at 5:48 am on Thursday, January 22, reporting a slip near the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park. FENZ notified the Tauranga City Council, the landowners of the camping ground, at 5:51 am. However, FENZ did not respond with firefighters as the landslip did not impact life or property at that time. The Tauranga City Council has stated that it received a call from FENZ at around 5:50 am, but the council’s chief executive initially said there was no record of a 111 call being referred to the council.
Council’s Response
The Tauranga City Council’s response to the potential landslip has been criticized. A local council representative was seen driving through the campground about two hours before the landslide, but it is unclear if they were aware of the potential danger. The council has initiated its own independent review into the events leading up to the landslide, but there are concerns about its impartiality. The council’s controller, Tom McEntyre, has stated that it would not be appropriate to comment on the events leading up to the landslide until the recovery efforts are completed and the site is secured.
Call for Independent Inquiry
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called for an independent government inquiry into the landslide, citing concerns about the impartiality of the council’s review. Luxon stated that there is a strong case for an independent government inquiry, which would be important not only for the grieving families but also for helping to ensure that lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The inquiry would examine the events leading up to the landslide, including the response of emergency services and local authorities.
Community Response
The community has come together to pay tribute to the victims of the landslide. Families and members of the community have been paying their respects, and a desperate rescue operation was launched after the hillside tumbled into caravans and tents at the popular beachside camp. The tragedy has raised questions about the safety of the campground and whether it should have been evacuated before the landslide. The independent inquiry will aim to provide answers to these questions and ensure that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
Conclusion
The Mount Maunganui campground tragedy has raised important questions about the response of emergency services and local authorities to potential landslips. The independent inquiry will examine the events leading up to the landslide and provide recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community has come together to pay tribute to the victims, and it is essential that lessons are learned from this tragedy to ensure that the safety of campers and residents is prioritized.
