His responsibilities cover all matters relating to leading the Government’s recovery from emergency events, including the severe weather event that impacted the upper North Island in January 2026 and the Government inquiry into the January 2026 severe weather event. The scope of the inquiry is under consideration with more details to be made available in coming weeks.

Chris Penk will support Mark Mitchell by leading the coordination of the Government’s response. He will have responsibility for bringing together government agencies to ensure a joined-up response.

Read recent article in full here