Progress update - February

Section 14 of the Inquiries Act 2013 allows the Royal Commission to conduct its inquiry as it considers appropriate, subject to certain considerations as set out in that section and to the Terms of Reference.

Clause 7 of the Terms of Reference guides the Royal Commission of Inquiry as to the way it will operate and the procedure it will follow.

Broadly, the inquiry must not take a legalistic approach and must use the most efficient and least formal procedures to gather information in addition to that which is already publicly available. It is currently focussed on identifying publicly available information.

The Royal Commission is mindful of the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on New Zealand, and those it may wish to speak to, and of the need for its procedures and processes to be flexible over time. At this stage it has determined that no person is expected to be designated as a core participant under section 17 of the Inquiries Act 2013. It will develop further procedures and processes in due course, including how it might engage with the public. As noted below, it will outline its approach once further planning and research has been undertaken.