Disasters can occur without warning, affecting any region and overwhelming even well-established emergency systems, underscoring the importance of personal preparedness. A recent examination of natural hazard risks across the North Island highlights the variety of threats facing communities, including flooding, tsunamis, landslides, and earthquakes.
The inquiry follows an independent review into the 2023 Mount Maunganui landslide, which resulted in six fatalities. This review revealed that Tauranga City Council had been notified multiple times over the years about the potential danger posed by the location. Despite these warnings, adequate preventive measures were apparently insufficient to avert the tragedy.
Elsewhere, the response to Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023, which claimed 11 lives, was similarly found to be lacking. The independent review led by Mike Bush concluded that local emergency officials had been “overwhelmed” by the storm’s rapid development and widespread impact. While the review did not seek to assign blame, it described New Zealand’s overall emergency management framework as “not fit for purpose,” noting that even experienced responders can find themselves unprepared for extreme scenarios.
These findings have led experts to emphasize that, although residents can expect a high standard of readiness from local authorities, such agencies are not infallible. Constraints such as limited resources, prioritization decisions, and unforeseen risks mean that official preparedness alone may not suffice in all circumstances.
Given these realities, individuals are urged to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves and their families. Recommendations include identifying evacuation routes, establishing safe assembly points for events such as tsunamis or earthquakes, ensuring reliable transportation options, and maintaining an accessible emergency kit stocked with essential supplies.
The timing of this advice coincides with the upcoming national earthquake drill and tsunami evacuation exercise, ShakeOut, organized by the National Emergency Management Agency. Scheduled for next month, the event aims to raise awareness and encourage broader community participation in disaster readiness activities.
Preparedness experts concur that while warnings and drills cannot prevent disasters, they can significantly reduce harm by fostering timely responses and resilience. Ultimately, the onus is on both authorities and individuals to be as prepared as possible for the unexpected.