Living with risk

19 February 2014

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is calling for residents to have their say about how councils should manage the potential impacts of natural hazards (such as earthquakes, floods, tsunami or geothermal eruptions) in the region.

Regional Planner Martin Butler said that everyone is invited to attend a ‘Living with risk’ community session in Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, Paengaroa or Ōpōtiki during the week of 10 March.

“A natural disaster could happen in the Bay at any time. Fewer than 27 percent of us are adequately prepared for that, so it’s important to think carefully about how we can minimise the damage of such an event to our lives and livelihoods,” Mr Butler said.

“The Natural Hazards Policy of the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement will guide district and city plan rules that influence where people live and work, and how they develop land and infrastructure. We’re currently reviewing that policy and we need information from the community to do so. Information gathered from the community sessions will help us to ensure a good balance between individual and shared responsibility in the policy,” Mr Butler said.

“We’d also love to hear from anyone who can’t attend a community session but would still like to have their say,” he said.

For session details and to register, contact Marie Radford at Bay of Plenty Regional Council, phone 0800 884 880 or email: livingwithrisk@boprc.govt.nz. Light snacks and spot prizes will be provided. Visit www.boprc.govt.nz/livingwithrisk to find out more.

The Regional Council is also co-ordinating a series of meetings with interested iwi and hapu. Mr Butler said that details will be promoted, when finalised, through local iwi and hapu networks.

The Bay of Plenty is vulnerable to many different natural hazards. More information about these and how you and your family can be better prepared is available at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz

ENDS

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