Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Group

Posted by Nelson Tasman Civil Defence on 2 March 2010

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Controller, Jim Frater, today expressed his thanks to Police and other agencies for their assistance during yesterday’s tsunami alert.  “The support from Nelson Police was excellent and we were pleased to have their back-up.” 

From the early hours of Sunday, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence was in urgent contact with a range of agencies including Police, DOC, the Port, Marine Radio, the fishing companies and many others. 

Frater says he also appreciated the cooperation of Weet Bix Tryathlon organisers, where the swim part of the event had to be cancelled. 

 “Although the impact of the tsunami in our region turned out to be modest, we had to exercise caution.  Civil Defence worked closely with local and national agencies through the night.  There were some challenging assessments to be made, but public safety was always paramount.”

Frater says most members of the public followed Cvil Defence advice but “It was a shame to see a few ignored the warnings and went to the beach or launched boats.”

Information provided to the Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Office shows the effects of the tsunami in the region were relatively light compared to other parts of New Zealand and arrived later than expected. 

The tsunami was first apparent about 3.00 pm on Sunday when there was about a 50mm regular change in sea level as measured by gauges.  The main movement was not felt until early this morning (Monday) when a change of about 150mm was recorded, particularly noticeable at the Little Kaiteriteri gauge operated by Tasman District Council.

Frater says the response to this tsunami went relatively smoothly and lessons from the Samoan tsunami were taken into account.  However there are still things to be learned and a full debrief with agencies will be held.