Media Statement

Saturday, 18 March 2023

Swarm of earthquakes unsettle Kawerau rohe

 The swarm of earthquakes in the region has been felt strongly in Kawerau from the early hours of the morning.

Kawerau District Mayor Faylene Tunui said “Residents are reporting that they have been awoken in the early hours of the morning due to the shakes.”

“Our first concern is of course the safety of our people and community. Having  a plan is important for each household. In the first instance drop, cover and hold to avoid injury.”

“Our duty manager has been responding to reports of concern from the community and has been checking Council assets and public areas throughout the morning. Or  water supply, waste water and stormwater systems are secure at present.”

“We have been hearing reports of minor damage in houses, mainly due to the shaking dislodging items from shelves and cupboards. However, we are yet to know the full extent of damage and the shakes appear to be continuing.”

Council wishes to advise residents that they should continue to stay away from large tree canopies, and out of some of the tree-laden reserves which may put people at risk. Also, if people do need to drive in a vehicle, please do so in a safe manner so we are not causing potential hazards with speeding around the district.”

Council is aware of the slip off Tamarangi Drive behind the village and will in due course carry out further checks and investigations, but it is not at this stage  posing an issue to any people or properties.

Mercury Energy has informed us that the Kawerau Geothermal Power Station was tripped (turned-off) at 9am this morning. This is a built-in safety mechanism that stops the turbines spinning and power being generated at the station. It’s an automatic response that occurred due to one of the earthquakes felt in the region earlier today. People may notice quantities of steam being vented from the station during this time but should not be alarmed. There was no damage or safety concerns as a result of this event.  

For more information please check out the Civil Defence Emergency website and facebook pages.

If you experience issues with water, please contact Council on 07 306 9009.

Residents are advise to keep in contact with neighbours and family.

KEY MESSAGES FROM BAY OF PLENTY CIVIL DEFENCE 

There is no reason to assume there will be another quake, but have had reports of things falling from shelves and other damage. If you have not already, check your home for valuables that could fall and hurt someone.

If there was a major quake; if you do not need to evacuate- PLEASE stay off the roads.

If you are safe at home, stay home.

What do we mean by ‘safe at home?’

• You can and should stay home after a quake if you are not near the coast/in a tsunami evacuation zone
• You can and should stay home after a quake if your home has not had significant damage
• You can and should stay home after a quake if everyone in your whānau is ok (no urgent medical/safety needs)

If you are not safe at home, head to the nearest safe place.

If you need urgent help, call 111.

After a major quake or other event, council and civil defence teams will update people on social media, radio, and any other means to get key information out.

It’s been a frightening start to the weekend, but our teams are actively monitoring and if anything else happens, our number one priority is keeping our people safe and informed.

ENDS 

For more information, please contact Kawerau District Council Manager Communications and Engagement Tania Humberstone on 0274643785