About this Inquiry
The Government has established this Inquiry to identify lessons from the three severe North Island weather events in early 2023. The Inquiry’s recommendations will ensure New Zealand’s emergency management system is appropriate to support preparedness for, and responses to, future natural emergencies.
The Inquiry has four members:
Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM QSO KStJ (Chair)
Sir Jerry has 50 years of public service experience. He was an officer in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for 39 years, including 15 years in senior leadership roles culminating as Chief of Defence Force (2006-2011).
Sir Jerry has also been a Director of the Government Communications Security Bureau (2011), New Zealand’s 20th Governor-General (2011-2016) and the 27th New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2017-2020).
John Ombler CNZM QSO
John Ombler is a career public servant and former CEO of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. He was one of the Controllers of the all-of-government response during the COVID-19 pandemic. His other roles have included Deputy State Services Commissioner and 20 years at the Department of Conservation.
As part of his previous review experience, John has conducted an inquiry into financial irregularities at the Waikato District Health Board and carried out an investigation into the actions and statements of a former Treasury chief executive.
Rangimarie Hunia (Ngāti Whātua)
Rangimarie Hunia has been the Director of Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd (trading as Moana NZ), since 2021. Previously, Rangimarie was Chief Executive of Ngāti Whātua Orakei Whai Maia (2016 – 2022).
Rangimarie’s governance roles also include Chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana (a charitable trust working for the collective interests of 58 iwi organisations in fishing and fisheries-related activities), a member of the Board of Directors of Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust (promoting Māori education, training, and research) and a member of the Advisory Committee for Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
Julie Greene
Julie Greene has strong experience and connections with the production and rural sector. She was a senior manager at Heinz Watties for over a decade and is currently Director of Graham Greene Limited, which owns interests in several fruit intellectual property companies in China and New Zealand. Julie has a background in marketing, communications, funding, and sales in the horticulture industry, and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
The terms of reference for this Government Inquiry are available on the New Zealand Gazette website: Establishment of the Government Inquiry Into the Response to the North Island Severe Weather Events - New Zealand Gazette.