The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is inviting residents to have their say about how councils should manage the potential impacts of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, tsunami or geothermal eruptions, in the region.

BOPRC regional planner Martin Butler says everyone is invited to attend the ‘Living with risk' community sessions in Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Paengaroa and Opotiki during the week of March 10.

'A natural disaster could happen in the Bay at any time. Fewer than 27 per cent of us are adequately prepared for that, so it's important to think carefully about how we can minimise the damage of such an event to our lives and livelihoods,” says Martin.

'The Natural Hazards Policy of the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement will guide district and city plan rules that influence where people live and work, and how they develop land and infrastructure.

'We're currently reviewing that policy and we need information from the community to do so."

"Information gathered from the community sessions will help us to ensure a good balance between individual and shared responsibility in the policy."

For session details and to register, contact Marie Radford at Bay of Plenty Regional Council; phone 0800 884 880 or email [email protected]. Light snacks and spot prizes will be provided. Visit www.boprc.govt.nz/livingwithrisk to find out more.
More information about how you and your family can be better prepared is available at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz