Key Takeaways
- A local resident, Alister McHardy, called 111 at 5:47am to report a land slip on Mount Maunganui, but was told to contact the council instead.
- Despite his efforts to raise the alarm, McHardy was not able to get emergency services to respond until after a second, deadly slip occurred at 9:30am.
- The Tauranga City Council closed the walking tracks around the mountain at 8:56am, but did not evacuate the nearby holiday park or Mount Hot Pools.
- An independent review has been announced to examine the events leading up to the landslide and determine if everything was done to prevent the tragedy.
- The review will also aim to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in emergency response and disaster management.
Introduction to the Incident
The recent landslide on Mount Maunganui has raised questions about the emergency response and whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. According to Alister McHardy, a local resident who witnessed the initial land slip, he called 111 at 5:47am to report the incident. However, he was told by the emergency call taker that it was a council matter and that they would notify the council. McHardy was left feeling frustrated and helpless, and he took it upon himself to warn campers in the area, including Dutch and German tourists, to move to safety.
The Emergency Response
McHardy’s experience highlights the confusion and lack of coordination that can occur during emergency situations. Despite his efforts to raise the alarm, emergency services did not respond until after the second, deadly slip occurred at 9:30am. The Tauranga City Council announced the closure of the walking tracks around the mountain at 8:56am, but did not evacuate the nearby holiday park or Mount Hot Pools, both of which are council-owned. This has raised questions about the council’s response to the situation and whether they took adequate measures to ensure public safety.
Aftermath and Investigation
The aftermath of the landslide has been devastating, with multiple fatalities and injuries reported. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale have faced questions about the emergency response and whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. An independent review has been announced to examine the events leading up to the landslide and determine if everything was done to prevent the tragedy. The review will also aim to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in emergency response and disaster management. Mayor Drysdale has stated that the council’s focus is on supporting the families affected and those responsible for the rescue operation, while also working to understand the facts and ensure that everything was done that was appropriate in the circumstances.
The Need for Accountability
The incident has raised important questions about accountability and the need for clear communication and coordination during emergency situations. McHardy’s experience highlights the importance of taking all reports of potential hazards seriously and responding promptly to prevent tragedies. The independent review will provide an opportunity for the council and emergency services to reflect on their response and identify areas for improvement. It is also an opportunity for the community to come together and support those affected by the tragedy. As Prime Minister Luxon noted, after-action reviews are an important part of learning from tragedies and improving emergency response and disaster management.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the landslide on Mount Maunganui has highlighted the importance of effective emergency response and disaster management. The incident has raised questions about the council’s response and whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. The independent review will provide an opportunity for the council and emergency services to reflect on their response and identify areas for improvement. It is also an opportunity for the community to come together and support those affected by the tragedy. As the community moves forward, it is essential that lessons are learned from this incident, and that measures are put in place to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The review’s findings and recommendations will be crucial in ensuring that the community is better prepared to respond to emergency situations and that public safety is prioritized.
