“Residents in Northland are rightly concerned that neither the Emergency Mobile Alert system nor any Tsunami sirens were
activated prior to strong surges that destroyed dozens of boats in the Tutukaka Marina, flooded at least one campground,
and put lives at risk as people scrambled to get away from the shore," says ACT’s Civil Defence Spokesperson James
McDowall.
“We have these systems in place for a reason, to protect lives and property. Kiwis shouldn’t have to rely on proactively
checking Minister Kiritapu Allan’s Facebook page for warnings
“Residents are now picking up the pieces and adding up their losses, well into the millions of dollars. The Marina
itself will require extensive repair.
“Those who were living in their boats are thankful that they managed to get out in time, but cannot believe the radio
silence after years of receiving mobile alerts and hearing sirens for minor events.
“With the integrity of these systems in question and further surges expected around New Zealand as a result of the
devastating effects of Cyclone Cody and the volcanic eruption in Tonga, ACT encourages coastal residents around New
Zealand to check Civil Defence’s website (https://www.civildefence.govt.nz) or any changes to warnings.
Pic: ACT MP Simon Court has spent the morning helping boaties with the carnage at Tutukaka marina.