Could the Mauao Tragedy Have Been Prevented? | Charlie Rahiri

Something for the People · Oct 14, 2026 · 15m

Six lives lost. 27 years of warnings. A $12,000 report that councillors never read. How did we get here?

Our special manuhiri is Charlie Rahiri, who is now working as a Recovery Manager at Tauranga City Council and also serves as Chair of Ngāti Ranginui.

Following the devastating landslides at Mauao on 22 January 2026, we sit down with Charlie to discuss the tragedy, the recovery efforts and the questions that still need answering.

What warnings were missed, who should be held accountable, and what needs to change to prevent another tragedy?

Wearing two hats, as both a council Recovery…