At our council meeting last week I was somewhat surprised by a presentation from Civil Defence on more newly-created tsunami maps and was somewhat dismayed (to put it mildly!) that no thought had been given to address the lack of warning systems and evacuation routes. Hence my comments to the affect that yes we know what the ‘problem' is – but let's get on with the solution!
For those of us who live at the Mount and Papamoa, we are of course well aware of the tsunami risk and have been for many years, particularly since the tragic 2004 Phuket Tsunami. My point is that rather than creating more maps to tell us what we largely already know, what we really need and have been desperately waiting for is a coastal warning system and exit route plan in order to evacuate our coastal strip if and when an emergency arises - and particularly so in regard to Papamoa. This is where the real need for action is and this is where our Civil Defence needs to focus its attention – and sooner rather than later!
David Stewart, Deputy Mayor, Tauranga.