The rollout of a collective tsunami warning system for the Bay of Plenty is set to start in a few months, but officials say there is 'no silver bullet” solution.
Each territorial authority across the region currently uses different systems to alert residents of a tsunami.

Greg Wilson believes public education is key to making people aware of tsunami threats.

A budget of about $1.4 million is available from July 1 for the Bay of Plenty-wide warning system.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council manager of maritime and emergency management Greg Wilson says it is likely a variety of mechanisms will be used in the final system.
This will include 'low tech” options such as door knocking, telephone trees, neighbourhood support networks and public education.
Other options are being explored, which include mobile PA systems, radio and television announcements, texting and emailing, internal alarms and sirens.
'We need to look at a range of mechanisms,” says Greg.
'We can't put our eggs in one basket.”
Greg says warning sirens could be used in the final system, but would only be used after the other mechanisms.
'Folks are clambering for sirens and see that as a bit of a silver bullet.
'Sirens only warn, they don't inform, so we have to be very careful about using a tool like that.”
Tsunami warnings after the Chile earthquake in 2010 and the 2009 Samoan earthquake, saw waves between 20cm and 40cm high in the Bay of Plenty.
'The risk is that we set off the sirens straight away and if it's only a 20cm surge then we've cried wolf.
'It could cause panic, there might be traffic jams, road rage or even injury and death.”
Readynet is another emergency warning system being launched in the Bay of Plenty in May.
It focuses on community engagement, community response plans and evacuation strategies.
In Japan a sophisticated US$20 million a year network of sirens, sensors and buoys are used to warn of a tsunami.
Despite this, Greg says thousands still perished in the Japanese tsunami on March 11.
'In this day in age people are very reliant on local government for their warnings.
'I'm a champion of public education. If you live near the coast and the ground shakes, you should put one and two together, and get yourself to higher ground.”