The independent Government Inquiry into the North Island Severe Weather events has been tasked with identifying lessons from the three severe North Island weather events which impacted Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty and Tararua in early 2023. The Inquiry’s recommendations will ensure New Zealand’s emergency management system is better prepared for any future weather events across our country.

We can expect more of these events. So, as a country, we need to prepare by learning from what has happened to ensure we are better prepared for future events. We need to make sure our emergency management system is fit for purpose and prepared to respond.

The most powerful way we can prepare is to hear from people who experienced the events or have something to share.

Our Inquiry Panel (Sir Jerry Mateparae - GNZM QSO KStJ, John Ombler – CNZM QSO, Rangimarie Hunia, and Julie Green) are using a combination of in-person interviews, engagement with community representatives, and other targeted engagement to help ensure no group is missed. Much of that engagement work is already underway.

You can also share your experience directly with the Panel through the Share to Prepare online submission tool which you can access here.

Along with the submission tool, on that page you will also find:

• A short video from Sir Jerry Mateparae, Chair of the Inquiry, explaining why your experience is so important to the Panel
• Easy read guidance and translated versions of the submission tool
• A set of FAQs
• Guidance for community groups to support them to gather feedback

You have until 15 December 2023 to share your experience with the team through the online submission tool. A final report outlining the Panel’s recommendations and findings will be presented to the Government at the end of March 2024.