Whitianga residents are being invited to talk tsunamis this weekend – and to take along any historical, or recent photos and video clips of tsunami damage.

Two tsunami open days are being held at the Whitianga town hall on Friday, June 3 from 3pm to 6pm and on Saturday, June 4 from 10am to 2pm.

The Kermadec Trench is a cause of tsunami concern for New Zealand.

The open days are part of the eastern Coromandel tsunami strategy project which is looking at how the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula might better handle tsunami-related risks.
The strategy is being developed by Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and Waikato Regional Council following the collection of new data indicating the risk of tsunami impacting the east coast of the Coromandel is higher than previously understood.

'We're starting off the new consultation discussions in Whitianga as its unique geography means it's considered the centre most at risk from the impacts of tsunami,” says TCDC's strategic relationships manager Peter Wishart.
Particular attention is being paid to the possibility of a major quake in the Tonga-Kermadec undersea trench to the north-east of New Zealand causing a big tsunami that would take only a short time to arrive.
'While new data on the Tonga-Kermadec trench doesn't provide cause for immediate alarm, we are beginning discussions with east coast communities about the future management of tsunami risks,” says Peter.

'This will build on extensive work done on preparedness in those communities previously.

'The fact is that Whitianga has been hit by many tsunamis over the centuries, including ones generated by shakes a long way away and ones closer to home.
'In light of the increased perception of risk from a tsunami generated in the Tonga-Kermadec trench, we want to hear from the community this year about whether we should be changing such things as emergency response procedures and planning rules in the town, so as to better protect people and property.

'There have been two recent earthquakes recorded from within the trench system reminding us how unstable that area currently is.

'Research indicates that the characteristics of the Tonga-Kermadec trench are very similar to that of the Japanese trench system.”

Given the potential for significant loss of life and property damage in a big tsunami, TCDC and the regional council are keen to hear from the Whitianga community about how it wants to manage the risks, says Peter.
'The open days at Queen's Birthday weekend will provide a great opportunity for people to find out more, get any questions answered and to give their views on how things should be managed.
'After our open days we will be rolling out a more formal consultation process as we look at the possibility of new tsunami arrangements for Whitianga.”
The project will be progressively looking at the needs of other eastern Coromandel communities as part of the strategy project.