Imagine a global pandemic that swept the world, killing everyone in its wake.

Now imagine if Great Barrier Island was the only place to be successfully isolated from the virus, leaving the 900 residents to re-build humanity.

Great Barrier Island. Photo: File.

This is the scenario the Awana Branch of Rural Women NZ will pose to four experts at the public 'No Barriers – small island, big ideas” panel discussion exploring pandemics on Saturday, September 12.

The panellists, who will give insight into how such a pandemic would play out, include virologist associate Professor Lance Jennings, Civil Defence Northern Regional Coordinator John Titmus, disaster researcher Professor David Johnston and young adult fantasy writer Karen Healey.

The panel will be moderated by well-known microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles. Also in attendance will be Civil Defence Minister and local MP Nikki Kaye. The public are invited to attend, including people who don't live on the island.

The event is not as far-fetched as it seems, says Gendie Somerville-Ryan, President Awana Rural Women.

The last major global pandemic in 1918 killed an estimated 20-40 million people and was notorious for its rapid onset and progression to respiratory failure and death. The highest number of deaths occurred in the 20-40 age group.

Lance Jennings agrees: 'The scenario is not entirely impossible,” he says. 'Isolating Great Barrier Island as a sanctuary is perfectly feasible.”

'If a pandemic did get out of hand, Civil Defence would take over much of the running of the country, including isolating communities to contain the virus.”

David Johnston knows the challenges communities face in times of disaster, having focused his research on human responses to natural disasters and crisis decision-making.

'Communities can be amazingly resilient in times of disaster,” adds David, 'especially without the interference of bureaucracy.”

Karen Healey will be discussing the 'what ifs” including what if the bad guys take over Great Barrier? What if a resident's best friend tries to sneak onto the island? What if the young residents decide to kill all the old ones?

Gendie says the aim of the event is to make people aware of disaster preparedness through a scenario that will capture their imagination. 'It is a free event and off-islanders are welcome,” says Gendie. 'Be there and survive!”

'No Barriers – small island, big ideas” will be held at the Great Barrier Island Sports and Social Club from 2.30pm to 5pm on Saturday, September 12. Dr Siouxsie Wiles will give a talk beforehand on superbugs from 1.30pm at the same venue on the same date. Gendie says registrations for both is required.

For more information or to register visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1591802414441573/

Registrations can also be made by emailing: [email protected]