New Zealand could see more deadly landslides as global warming brings stronger storms, experts warn. In January, tropical storms caused heavy rain and two fatal landslides in the North Island. On Thursday, a landslide hit a holiday park in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, burying six people who authorities say are unlikely to survive. Earlier that day, another landslide killed two people in a nearby home. Tauranga city council evacuated 150 residents from 30 homes due to another risky landslide on Wednesday. New Zealand’s landscape is prone to landslides because of its tectonic setting and high rainfall. Human actions like deforestation and cutting slopes have made the country more vulnerable, said Professor Martin Brook from the University of Auckland. Climate expert Dr Thomas Robinson from the University of Canterbury said, “The more we have intense storms, the more frequently they occur, the more landslides we’re going to have, and then the more impacts we’re going to experience.” In 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle triggered about 800,000 landslides, one of the worst global records. Professor James Renwick from Victoria University of Wellington said storms are causing “devastation and misery.” He called for urgent cuts in greenhouse gases to prevent worse events. Political leaders are debating policies on climate change and disaster funding. Labour leader Chris Hipkins accused the government of cutting climate action and scrapping a $6 billion resilience fund. Finance Minister Nicola Willis rejected this, citing government support for flood and infrastructure repairs. Tauranga city council has launched a local inquiry into the Mount Maunganui landslide, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is considering a government inquiry. Some locals reported dangers before the slide, raising questions about prevention efforts. Dr Robinson noted landslides are deadly but often overlooked compared to earthquakes. He said, “If anything good can come out of this, then having a better and broader understanding of landslide risk and how to prepare for them is a positive.”