A formal WorkSafe New Zealand investigation has begun into work health and safety practices at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park following the landslide on 22 January, an event that resulted in loss of life and prompted a multi‑agency recovery operation that concluded on 1 February.
WorkSafe says its inquiry will focus specifically on work‑related matters that preceded the landslide, examining whether businesses or organisations connected to the operation of the holiday park breached the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The agency has warned the probe will be detailed and may take up to a year to complete.
What WorkSafe will examine
Scope of investigation
WorkSafe’s central regional manager, Nigel Formosa, said the agency will “establish whether there has been a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 by businesses and organisations related to the operation of the holiday park.” The investigation will involve technical experts and the collection of information from multiple sources.
Focus areas likely to include
- Operational decisions at the holiday park before the landslide.
- Maintenance, inspections and risk assessments carried out by the park operator and any contractors.
- Roles and responsibilities of Tauranga City Council and other parties involved in the park’s management.
- Whether workplace systems and controls met legal requirements and industry standards.
WorkSafe has already begun engaging with Tauranga City Council, which operates the holiday park, and says it will consider the roles of other parties in the coming months.
Timeline and independence from other reviews
WorkSafe emphasised its investigation is independent of the Government inquiry and Tauranga City Council’s external review, both of which have also been initiated. WorkSafe investigations can take up to 12 months from the date of an incident; given the technical complexity, the agency expects this probe to run for a full year.
The agency thanked New Zealand Police for their support and said it will continue to work closely with police as each body carries out its respective role.
What is known so far
- Incident date: 22 January.
- Recovery operation: Completed by Police on 1 February.
- Loss of life: Authorities have confirmed fatalities; official casualty figures and details remain the responsibility of Police and coroner processes. WorkSafe’s remit is to examine workplace safety matters that may have contributed to the event.
What to expect next
WorkSafe says its team will carry out a “careful, methodical investigation” grounded in evidence and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The agency will engage technical experts and gather information from a range of sources; it has not announced a timetable for interim findings.
CVNZ News will continue to follow developments and publish updates as WorkSafe, Police, Tauranga City Council and the Government inquiry release further information.