Inquest examines Auckland deaths in 2023 twin flooding events
Photo:
RNZ / Pip Keane
The Auckland phase of an inquest into the deaths of those who lost their lives during the two devastating and deadly storms of 2023 continues today.
Four men died during the Auckland Anniversary floods, and two firefighters died in Muriwai during Cyclone Gabrielle.
The inquest is looking into the 19 weather-related fatalities from the two storms nationwide, including three men who died in the months following the weather events.
Hearings began in June
, and this week will continue to scrutinise the emergency response, before hearing evidence in relation to the Auckland deaths.
Daniel Miller, 34, was helping rescue others in the severely flooded Wairau Valley in Auckland's North Shore, and was later found dead in a culvert on Target Road.
Daniel Newth, 25, was swept into the Wairau Valley while kayaking in floodwaters.
David Lennard, 78, died after his Remuera home was destroyed in a landslide.
Dave Young, 58, was swept away in floodwaters in the rural Waikato town of Onewhero.
Evidence relating to the deaths of two volunteer Muriwai firefighters will be heard in the next phase of the inquest.
Craig Stevens and Dave van Zwanenberg died in a landslide two weeks following the anniversary weekend floods - during Cyclone Gabrielle - after they were critically injured when attending a major slip callout.
This week, the coroner is expected to hear from Fire and Emergency and Auckland Council about the emergency warnings that were issued and the emergency response.
That includes the search and rescue efforts for each of the Auckland deceased.
The second phase of the inquest will be held in Hastings between October and November.
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