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Summarised by Centrist
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has publicly condemned what he claims is “racist rhetoric and misinformation” following the deadly Mount Maunganui landslide, stepping in early to defend iwi as questions begin to emerge about past land management decisions.
Speaking to media, Luxon said those raising such claims should “just frankly keep it to themselves”, arguing the focus must remain on recovery and unity rather than public debate.
The landslide struck the Beachside Holiday Park at the base of Mauao last Thursday, burying vehicles, tents and structures.
Six people are missing and are presumed dead. Search and recovery efforts were briefly paused due to safety concerns but have since resumed.
“Right here, right now, we need to stay together and support each other and come together in unity,” Luxon said.
In that context, Luxon defended iwi involvement, saying they had been “critical” in discussions around response and recovery and would remain involved going forward.
He later rejected claims targeting iwi management, saying commentary about their role was unhelpful and harmful during an active recovery phase.
Luxon’s intervention comes as public attention has turned to land management decisions regarding the Mount, including the removal of exotic trees in areas near the eventual slip zone.
The Mount has been governed by a Māori trust since 2018 under a co-governance arrangement involving Tauranga City Council and local iwi. Tree removals were carried out around this period.
Some commentators have questioned whether tree removal may have contributed to slope instability, criticism that Luxon has characterised as racist rhetoric.
Luxon has also said there is a “strong case” for an independent government inquiry. He cited unanswered questions about evacuation timing and concerns over the impartiality of a council-led review.
Editor’s note: Ian Wishart’s Centrist investigation argues the landslide was not primarily driven by climate change, but that land management decisions between 2017 and 2019, including large-scale tree removal above the Beachside Holiday Park, may have weakened the slope and increased failure risk during heavy rain.
Those decisions were taken under council and iwi co-governance and warrant independent investigation.
Read more over at RNZ and The Good Oil
