Govt inquiry into fatal landslides 'will reach its own conclusions' - chair

The government's inquiry into the deadly Mauao landslide will consider the council's conclusions, but will reach its "own conclusions and recommendations in due course", says the inquiry chair.

The Tauranga City Council today released details of its external review into the landslide on 22 January that claimed the lives of Lisa Maclennan, Susan Knowles, Jacqualine Wheeler, Måns Loke Bernhardsson, Sharon Maccanico, and Max Furse-Kee.

The council report by retired high court judge Hon Paul Davison KSO KC found nothing was done after information identifying a risk to life was received, filed, discussed and forwarded.

"The failure was not the fault of any one person; it was the failure of a system that enabled an identified risk to life to remain unowned, un-escalated and unmanaged," the report said.

The government is conducting its own inquiry into the landslide, as well as a second fatal landslide which occurred in January.

A landslide also fell on to three properties on Welcome Bay Road in Pāpāmoa, killing a grandmother and grandchild.

Inquiry chair Sir Mark O'Regan said it would consider Davison's review alongside other evidence gathered.

"The government inquiry's scope covers both the Mauao and Welcome Bay Road landslides, and the actions of all relevant agencies, not just Tauranga City Council.

"The council's review and the government Inquiry are independent processes, each with their own terms of reference. Although the inquiry must consider the Davison review, it will reach its own conclusions and recommendations in due course.

"Our sincere sympathy remains with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and everyone affected by January's landslides."

NZ Police Bay of Plenty crime manager Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said they were investigating both landslides and making enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

"Police's Family Liaison Officers remain in contact with the families, and our heartfelt thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones.

"At this time, it would be inappropriate for police to comment further."