16 May 2025

The Tairāwhiti community have become all too familiar with different types of natural hazards in recent years, but there's an even bigger risk lurking off our coast.

A significant earthquake on the Hikurangi Subduction Zone would result in minutes of shaking, followed by a raft of secondary hazards including tsunami, liquefaction, landslides and aftershocks.

That’ll be delved into at two free ‘It Starts Before the Shake’ presentations next week (May 21 and 22) where the Natural Hazard Commission has teamed up with Tairāwhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management to ensure the wider community understands the risks and the importance of having plans in place.

TCDEM Group Manager Ben Green says it’s a chance for the region to ensure they are prepared for such an emergency.

“There is good earthquake and tsunami awareness in Tairāwhiti,” says Mr Green.

“We have an engaged and connected community which is highlighted by us having the highest regional sign up for the national Shake Out campaign over the past four years. In the 2024 campaign, 27% of our community connected to that kaupapa and that’s impressive.”

But as well as understanding the critical nature of the hazard and the risk it presents, it is important readiness plans are in place.

The community along with school principals, boards and staff are being invited to join expert Kate Boersen to talk about what she calls ‘the aftershock aspect’.

“We often talk about the big one, thinking about one large earthquake and tsunami but we also need to start talking about aftershocks and what those will mean for us,” she says.

“When you understand what the science is telling us and know what to expect, you feel more confident in facing these big events. This helps everyone prepare for smaller events too.”

Scientists agree it is not a matter of if a big earthquake hits, but when. A long or strong earthquake could cause intense shaking across Tairāwhiti, triggering landslides in steep areas, liquefaction in low-lying land and serious damage to roads, bridges, buildings and critical infrastructure.

Being prepared at home is also a big part of keeping safe. Natural Hazard Commission’s Hamish Armstrong says it’s important to take simple steps now to prevent injuries during the shaking.

He urges people to make their homes are as safe as possible before the shaking starts by securing large furniture and appliances, and other precautions.

Ms Boersen encourages people to have a plan and practice possible tsunami evacuation routes, by foot or bike, before an earthquake strikes.

Tairāwhiti’s updated tsunami evacuation maps can be found on Gisborne District Council’s website.

Mr Green says school principals have a massive undertaking when it comes to moving students within a tsunami zone.

“Parents need assurance that their schools have a solid plan in place and that they trust them to get their kids to where they need to be.”

Ms Boersen will also be presenting to school boards of trustees, principals and staff while here next week.

“It is quite a confronting hazard scenario but one you have to be eminently prepared for given we live with a fault line 100 kilometres off our coastline,” said Mr Green.

“It is important to know the natural warning signs. If the earthquake is long or strong, get gone, evacuate immediately inland or to higher ground.”

The free public presentations on Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm, with the principals’ presentation at the TCDEM coordination centre at 4pm on Wednesday.

WHAT: It Starts Before the Shake - FREE

WHEN: 6pm, Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 22 May

WHERE: In person - Gisborne District Council Chambers, 15 Fitzherbert St

Live online stream - www.youtube.com/@GisborneDC/streams

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