news and information from the thames-coromandel district
TRANSCRIPT
News and information from the Thames-Coromandel District Council
www.tcdc.govt.nz PH 07 868 0200 EMAIL [email protected] Facebook.com/ThamesCoromandelDistrictCouncil Twitter.com/ourcoromandel
A test of the tsunami sirens will occur at midday tomorrow (Friday) for up to three minutes.
Here are the locations you will hear the tsunami siren tests:
• Kuaotunu• Whitianga• Cooks Beach• Hahei• Tairua• Pauanui• Whangamata• Coromandel• Tapu
• Thames• Turua• Ngatea.
This will only be a test so there will be no need for you to evacuate.
The tsunami siren is a constant tone version of the � re siren.
Also, please remember that on the east coast, you’ll have an even more powerful warning before a sudden tsunami: an earthquake (along with other natural warning signs.)
What to do in an earthquake
This week also spectacularly marked New Zealand’s (and the world’s) � rst ever national earthquake drill: Operation Shakeout.
Over a million people participates including thousands from the Coromandel Peninsula, Hauraki and Matamata Piako areas covered by our Thames Valley Emergency Operating Centre.
Here is the three-step memory aid:
• Drop to the ground• Cover by getting under a
sturdy desk or table• Hold on to it until the shaking
stops.Remember how to do it wherever you � nd yourself when an earthquake strikes:
If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to go outside.
If you are outdoors, � nd a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines, then
drop, cover and hold. Stay there until the shaking stops.
If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Drive carefully and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.
If you are within a tsunami zone on the coast (such as Mercury Bay) when an earthquake strikes, then you should move inland or to high ground as soon as possible.
Rena debris continues Debris from the wreck of the Rena is continuing to wash up around the Eastern beaches of the Coromandel.
We’re working with salvage company Braemar Howells to ensure rubbish from the Rena—mostly plastic beads and noodles—
is being collected in yellow hazard bags. In the past month these bags have gathered debris from Opito, Matapaua, Hot Water Beach and Tairua Beach.
If you see any more yellow hazard bags still lying around, please contact us.
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District Plan ReviewYou’ll soon be able to have your say on how land around the Coromandel is managed and used with the Dra� District Plan about to come out for your feedback.
This week Council signed o� full approval for the Dra� District Plan to go out to community consultation from Wednesday 17 October.
The proposed version will be released for formal submissions mid-next year, which will incorporate comments you’ve made about the Dra� Plan.
October’s release will give you a chance to look it over and discuss.
It can easily be changed and is a means for setting goals and constraints about what people can do on their land, so that the Coromandel remains a great place to live.
We’ve arranged open days where our planning sta� will be available to talk to you about what we’re thinking about changing in the District Plan.
We also want your feedback on what you would like to see changed or kept in the current District Plan. For more information go to our website:
www.tcdc.govt.nz/dpr
Tsunami siren test Friday lunchtime
Our Council is proud to support the International Day of the Older Person on 1 October when we give thanks and celebrate all that our older residents do for our communities.
We’ve donated the use of the Thames Civic Centre for the event, which runs from 1:00 pm—4:00 pm on 1 October and will be opened by Councillor Wyn Hoadley.
“Apart from dancing and having fun and partaking in a yummy a� ernoon tea, participants are being recognised for the voluntary and important contribution they make in our community,” says Cr Hoadley.
“There will also be spot prizes and ra� es on the day and it promises to be lots of laughs.”
The event is open to all at no cost.
Live music will be provided by the Two Tones and other local
performers. Mobility transport is available through the Thames Health and Disability Resource Centre on Ph 868 7099.
International Day of the Older Person
Hannafords Wharf closedA� er severe damage in the high winds earlier in the month, Hannaford’s Jetty is now closed until further notice.
An independent structural engineering assessment of the whole facility has now been completed.
The assessment shows that the structure is no longer safe for
use, especially a� er the already damaged gangway and � oating pontoon su� ered further damage over the weekend.
Based on this latest assessment, the decision has been made to close the facility until the gangway and � oating pontoons are replaced.
The replacement work will take approximately 3 months.
Brits at the Beach back for moreWhere else but Tairua will you � nd maypole dancing, coconut shy, the British High Commissioner to New Zealand, the Geebees and a woman with a remarkable likeness to the Queen?
Brits at the Beach is now in its third year as a fun weekend for people of all nationalities. (Oct 5-7 2012)
Among the activities planned is the Scru� ’s Dog Show, Tug O War, Terror in Tairua Mystery Treasure Hunt, Brit Lit at the Tairua Library, market day stalls, Brits Swap Meet and Boot Sale and a sold out performance by the ‘Geebees’ at the Tairua Hall.
Some 270 British cars will be on display from Zephyrs to Jaguars, Anglia’s to Morri Minors and a 1923 Rolls Royce.
Organiser Lynette Dey says tickets are selling well for the various events over the weekend and accommodation is also � lling up fast.
Contact Tairua Information Centre for tickets or details. Above: Tairua School students practicing for Brits at the Beach maypole dance.
Coff ee with GarryOn the � nal Friday of every month, our Area Manager Garry Towler and Area Co-ordinator Lorna Price will be available to meet with you in Pauanui and Tairua.
Come and share your positive ideas for your town or air your issues with Garry face to face.
Garry is passionate about smart ideas, so if you’ve had any and felt they’ve never seen the light of day, he’s your man.
If you’d like an appointment, just phone Lorna Price on 07 868 0200