Firefighters Dave van Zwanenberg (left) and Craig Stevens, who died after getting trapped in a slip in Auckland's Muriwai during Cyclone Gabrielle in February, 2023. Photo: Supplied
An independent investigation has been launched into the death of two firefighters in Auckland during Cyclone Gabrielle.
The volunteer firefighters - Craig Stevens and Dave van Zwanenberg - were killed by a slip in the coastal community of Muriwai.
Fire and Emergency chief executive Kerry Gregory said the enormity of the event was such that an independent inquiry was crucial to avoid fatal accidents happening again.
"We are committed to looking for opportunities for continuous improvement and are looking to minimise the risk of such catastrophic harm being repeated in the future."
Lead Investigator Paul McGill worked for New Zealand Fire Service and Fire and Emergency New Zealand for nearly 40 years, as frontline firefighter, then in a range of senior roles including deputy national commander, national commander urban, and acting chief executive.
McGill will work alongside Andy Evans, a Health and Safety investigator who has conducted many ICAM investigations into a wide range of incidents, including in farming, power distribution, logistics, education, construction, and transport.
An operational review of FENZ's response to Cyclone Gabrielle and the 27 January floods will also be conducted.