A new take on emergency preparedness

• Published date: 05 April 2024
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

A recent study led by Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington senior lecturer Dr Jamie Howarth indicated there was a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake in the next 50 years

Geologists working on Project AF8 believe the next severe earthquake on the Alpine Fault is most likely to be a rupture that begins in South Westland and ‘‘unzips’’ northwards, and will probably have a magnitude of 8+ on the Richter scale.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the AF8 Programme are tapping into Mātauranga Māori (Maori knowledge), using Ngāi Tahu creation stories and weaving them with scientific knowledge to illustrate emergency preparedness.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa said according to Ngāi Tahu creation stories, earthquakes were caused by Rūaumoko, the son of Ranginui (the Sky Father) and his wife Papatūanuku (the Earth Mother).

‘‘Science tells us the Alpine Fault ruptures about every 300 years, and that the last significant rupture occurred in 1717.

‘‘Over millions of years, these seismic events have shaped the landscape of Te Waipounamu (South Island), lifting it from the ocean and forming the peaks of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) with each large earthquake the Alpine Fault generates,’’ Mr Tipa said.

The campaign features a video in which a whānau is travelling to Te Tai Poutini (West Coast) to explore the stories of the Alpine Fault and Ngāi Tahu whenua.

A poua (grandfather) tells his mokopuna (grandchild) stories from their tipuna, so they can understand what it means for their future. He encourages them to take an active role in preparing their homes and protecting their whanau.

Mr Tipa said the campaign emphasised the importance of emergency preparedness for the iwi.

‘‘Our...