Whangamata Tsunami Information Open Day

Last weekend, 300 people attended Whangamata's Tsunami Open Day to learn more about the possible threat of a tsunami to the area.

"We had a wide range of attendees who were keen to learn about the risks - particularly from a large earthquake on the Tonga-Kermadec Trench, which would take about an hour to reach Whangamata," says TCDC Strategic Relationships Manager Peter Wishart, who attended the Open Day and has been involved in the Tsunami Working Group.

Coastal and tsunami scientists who worked on this project were also at the Open Day and met with the public to talk about the latest research into the possible threat of tsunami to the region. Emergency Management staff members were also on-hand to provide information on what to do if a tsunami hit.

"As always the Emergency Services were a big hit, with appearances from Fire, St John's Ambulance, the Medical Centre, Coastguard and the Police. Having the Emergency Services there gave attendees an opportunity to better understand what could happen, and confirm their personal escape plans," says Peter.

The Open Day also gave participants the opportunity to make comment on how best to manage tsunami risk. There were discussions about the type of community education to adopt and also about coastal land use planning such as restricting the location of facilities such as kindergartens or rest-homes being built in potential tsunami inundation paths.

For anyone who missed the open days you can still access information by going to www.tcdc.govt.nz/tsunami

Thank you to New World Whangamata and Whangamata Hire Centre for donating a BBQ, gas and all consumable supplies for the event's free sausage sizzle.

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