Land use planning for tsunami –

what are the options?

Wendy Saunders, MNZPI

GNS Science

Massey University

Joint Centre for Disaster Research

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Are we at risk from tsunami?

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Do we need to plan for tsunami?

• Health and safety – RMA s2

“promote the sustainable management of

natural and physical resources.

Sustainable management means managing

the use, development, and protection of

natural and physical resources in a way, or

at a rate, which enables people and

communities to provide for their social,

economic, and cultural wellbeing and for

their health and safety”

• Proposed NZCPS specifically

excludes tsunami, but still required

under RMA s30 & 31

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What about uncertainty?

• Who takes on the risk?

• What is acceptable?

• What AEP/return

period?

• Debate needed

• Precautionary

approach

• Incorporate into design

• Need to ensure

communities and

visitors are aware of

the risks

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How can we include tsunami risk in planning?

• Need to know what the risk is

• Map risk

• Include as a coastal hazard

• Incorporate into coastal hazard zones

• Cannot depend on response alone

• Formulate policy with a mix of readiness (EM) and reduction (planning)

• Ensure dune systems are retained

• Urban design

• Discuss options with your EMO

• Is a guidance note required?

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1947 tsunami impacts, Wainui Source: Tairawhiti Museum, Gisborne

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Gisborne case study

• High risk – 10m+ tsunami

recorded

• No official warnings

possible for local event

• Theoretical development

scenarios for coastal land

• Urban design – evacuation

and construction

• Modelling

• In progress …

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Watch this space …

• Worked example of how tsunami can be incorporated into planning

– How modelling can influence planning

• Economic impacts / comparisons

• Planning implications

– Tsunami recognised as a hazard

– Options for inclusion

– Emergency management

• Urban design that includes tsunami

– Seabrook, Tora

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Where to go for information

• MCDEM National

Tsunami Review

• Designing for

Tsunamis

• Quality Planning

Natural Hazard

Guidance Note

• GNS Science