Latest news with #AlpineFault
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Report notes staffing shortage for emergency management
Southland's emergency management service is facing serious staffing issues with just seven staff in place for a population of more than 100,000. Recent reports have highlighted a raft of issues for Civil Defence in the area, including a lack of dedicated roles impacting "already stretched" staff and missed calls following the March earthquake. Staffing levels have not shifted since 2018, even though the population, workload and frequency of responses increased, a report noted. "As expectations grow at the national level and climate and disaster risks intensify, continuing to operate with insufficient, non-specialist staffing is not sustainable," it said. There was an "urgent" need for more resources as the region struggled to meet both local and national expectations. Emergency Management Southland group manager Aly Curd said her staff had now been asked to explore options for addressing resource gaps through the 2026-27 annual plan. She also spoke to issues relating to the March 25 earthquake off the coast of Southland. While there was no significant fallout from that event, a range of challenges came to light in a report including missed calls due to the duty phone not having an overflow function. The phone was the first point of contact during an emergency and would be upgraded next month, Ms Curd told Local Democracy Reporting. There is a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake in the next 50 years according to a recent study led by Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington. The report also highlighted an issue with the Tsunami Expert Panel requiring 40 minutes to convene — delaying official risk assessment. Ms Curd said the time it took the national advisory group to convene emphasised the importance of self-evacuation. "That is why we focus on the 'long or strong, get gone' message in local risk education." Emergency Management Southland received a tough review earlier in the year on the back of its response to Gore flooding in 2023 and Bluecliffs erosion in 2024. Key issues included staffing levels, communication, and a lack of process for declaring an emergency. It hopes to address its staffing issues through a two-phase process, starting with new training and recovery positions over the next two years. The second phase will look to expand the team to 11 people. • LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Science
- Scoop
AF8 Roadshow Coming To Marlborough
Press Release – Marlborough District Council AF8 Science Lead (University of Canterbury) Dr Tom Robinson said the fact that roadshow is on its fourth tour was testament to the support and interest in the science from communities. We can't predict earthquakes, but we can prepare for them. Marlborough Emergency Management's Senior Advisor Community Resilience Dave Parsons says the award-winning AF8 Roadshow: The Science Beneath Our Feet visiting Marlborough next week is a free public science talk designed to build resilience to the next Alpine Fault earthquake. 'The AF8 Roadshow is a chance to hear from leading Alpine Fault scientists about the likely impacts of an Alpine Fault earthquake in our region and how we can be better prepared for such an event,' Dave said. Earthquake scientists and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups have partnered for the fourth time to bring the popular roadshow to more than 20 South Island communities to share world-leading science. Marlborough Girls' and Boys' Colleges, Queen Charlotte College and Richmond View School will receive visits and there are two public meetings in Marlborough – at the Renwick Anglican Parish Hall on 7 May at 7pm and the Queen Charlotte College Hall on 8 May at 7pm. All are welcome and no RSVP is required. 'The roadshow is part of an ongoing series of activities designed to support conversations and knowledge sharing around large natural hazard events like an Alpine Fault earthquake, ensuring that communities and agencies are collectively better prepared. 'While we can't predict when earthquakes will occur, scientific research indicates there is a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, and that there is a 4 out of 5 chance that it will be a magnitude 8+ event,' Dave said. AF8 Science Lead (University of Canterbury) Dr Tom Robinson said the fact that roadshow is on its fourth tour was testament to the support and interest in the science from communities. 'While we can't predict when the next large Alpine Fault earthquake will happen, we know it will cause severe disruption and pose a major challenge for the nation. The AF8 Roadshow plays a critical role in supporting our communities to make informed decisions and to understand and prepare for this inevitable earthquake.' The AF8 Roadshow is sponsored by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC). NHC Public Education Manager Hamish Armstrong said research indicated there was a 75 per cent probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, which would impact the entire South Island and beyond. 'It's so important that we're well-informed about what those impacts could look like for our homes and families – and that people know there's a lot we can all be doing to be well prepared.'
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Science
- Scoop
AF8 Roadshow Coming To Marlborough
We can't predict earthquakes, but we can prepare for them. Marlborough Emergency Management's Senior Advisor Community Resilience Dave Parsons says the award-winning AF8 Roadshow: The Science Beneath Our Feet visiting Marlborough next week is a free public science talk designed to build resilience to the next Alpine Fault earthquake. 'The AF8 Roadshow is a chance to hear from leading Alpine Fault scientists about the likely impacts of an Alpine Fault earthquake in our region and how we can be better prepared for such an event,' Dave said. Earthquake scientists and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups have partnered for the fourth time to bring the popular roadshow to more than 20 South Island communities to share world-leading science. Marlborough Girls' and Boys' Colleges, Queen Charlotte College and Richmond View School will receive visits and there are two public meetings in Marlborough – at the Renwick Anglican Parish Hall on 7 May at 7pm and the Queen Charlotte College Hall on 8 May at 7pm. All are welcome and no RSVP is required. 'The roadshow is part of an ongoing series of activities designed to support conversations and knowledge sharing around large natural hazard events like an Alpine Fault earthquake, ensuring that communities and agencies are collectively better prepared. 'While we can't predict when earthquakes will occur, scientific research indicates there is a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, and that there is a 4 out of 5 chance that it will be a magnitude 8+ event,' Dave said. AF8 Science Lead (University of Canterbury) Dr Tom Robinson said the fact that roadshow is on its fourth tour was testament to the support and interest in the science from communities. 'While we can't predict when the next large Alpine Fault earthquake will happen, we know it will cause severe disruption and pose a major challenge for the nation. The AF8 Roadshow plays a critical role in supporting our communities to make informed decisions and to understand and prepare for this inevitable earthquake.' The AF8 Roadshow is sponsored by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC). NHC Public Education Manager Hamish Armstrong said research indicated there was a 75 per cent probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, which would impact the entire South Island and beyond. 'It's so important that we're well-informed about what those impacts could look like for our homes and families - and that people know there's a lot we can all be doing to be well prepared."
