Tsunami Workshop Papamoa

TCC ran a Tsunami workshop at the Papamoa Library on Friday 14th of February 2025. A lot of staff and consultants in attendance. The previous workshop was held in Arataki.

I am pleased to say that six of our councillors attended. Thank you councillors for giving up your time for this very important subject. In attendance Rod Taylor Te Papa, Kevin Schuler Bethlehem, Marten Rozeboom Tauriko, Glen Crowther Matua Otumoetai, Rick Curach Arataki, and Steve Morris Papamoa. Local MP Tom Rutherford also attended. Steve Morris chaired the meeting.

TCC staff and the consultants gave an overview of where things are currently. The Tsunami inundation model is based on a 1 in 2,500 year event. An earthquake and landslide is assumed on the Kermadec Trench, resulting in a 14 meter high wave at the beach, with 8 meter high water flooding onto land (the land behind the sand dunes is approximately 6 meters above high tide). The flood dissipates as it travels, reducing to 2 meters high by the time it reaches the expressway. The Tsunami is expected to also travel up the Kaituna river, and flood the southern side of the expressway closer to the river. The Tsunami is expected to arrive within one hour.

They are looking at the best options for additional escape routes. They have done a survey of some existing escape routes to evaluate what needs fixing, and what needs improving. For example damaged signs, and impediments to people in wheelchairs or with poor mobility.

Upgrades to Domain Road with the footpath extended on both sides as far as the expressway roundabout is an issue. Glen Crowther commented that the government no longer subsidises footpaths. Tom Rutherford promised that he would support funding for the footpaths if the Domain Road upgrades go ahead. Access to get across the expressway is also required.

The consultants looked at the option of a combined cycle and walk way along the side of the expressway from the Papamoa East Interchange to Bayfair, which could also double as a Tsunami evacuation route. The rationale was for people to evacuate towards the expressway, which is as far as possible from the beach, and then travel along the expressway route to a point of safety.

Currently, it would be impossible to evacuate all of the residents from the inundation zone in a timely manner. The roads are likely to be gridlocked with cars and pedestrians, so evacuation would have to be by foot. Children, the elderly and the sick are particularly vulnerable.

Several reps from local primary schools, kindergartens and daycare centres attended. They are particularly concerned for the safety of the children in their care. They are required to have a Tsunami evacuation practice every term. They don’t have clear guidance on where to evacuate to, and in many cases there is no easy access to evacuation routes. For East Papamoa schools the access to the side of the expressway is blocked off by houses and by a fence. The subdivisions have been put in with no access to the expressway. Te Akau Ki children have to evacuate down Domain Road with no footpath. The Arataki Kindergarten, practised evacuating to Links Ave.

As we know, there is a limit to how far small children can walk. They need water, food, toilet, and rest. And of course evacuation is one thing. What do we do if and when we them get to safety? What about water, food, toilet, and somewhere to rest. What happens if it is raining? How do we keep them dry and warm? How do we link children up with their parents or caregivers? What happens if our homes have been destroyed or are unlivable?

We are going to have to help each other a lot if we ever have a Tsunami. It will be the same as with the Rena disaster. The first response will have to come from the community while we wait for outside help.