Mt Maunganui landslide: Ratepayers pick up $1.2m tab for council’s legal bill
Tauranga City Council is facing scrutiny after spending $1.2 million on legal fees following a fatal landslide at Mount Maunganui. The council defended the direct appointment of a national law firm, citing the need for specialized expertise and existing professional relationships.
Why it matters
The report highlights concerns regarding public spending transparency and the procurement processes used by local government bodies during emergency responses.
Mount Maunganui Holiday Park soon after a devastating slip hit campervans and a shower block in January. Photo / RNZ, Kim Baker Wilson
Tauranga ratepayers are footing a $1.2 million legal bill following the Mount Maunganui landslide after the council cherry-picked a law firm.
Tauranga City Council appointed Meredith Connell on January 26, just four days after the landslide that killed six people.
They were: Lisa Maclennan, Susan Knowles, Jacqualine Wheeler, Måns Loke Bernhardsson, Sharon Maccanico, and Max Furse-Kee.
In a Local Government Official Information request response, the council said the firm was selected after endorsement by the elected members and the chief executive.
“Given the urgency involved and the multitude of legal issues arising from the event, Tauranga City Council made a direct appointment after considering firms with national capability and recent experience leading the legal response to a natural hazard event.
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