How important are tsunami sirens in your community?

Residents on the Coromandel turned out in force to three presentations about tsunami sirens being switched off. Photo / HC Post

The importance that invidividual Coromandel communities place on tsunami sirens is the focus of a June 12 meeting in Whitianga.

The 2pm meeting will be facilitated by the Whitianga Residents and Ratepayers Association and the Tsunami Siren Silenced Action Group, formed in response to Thames-Coromandel District Council's decision not to upgrade its siren warning network.

"Experts agree that we are vulnerable to tsunami, says Linda Cholmondeley-Smith from the action group. "A tsunami on the east coast of the North Island could result in just minutes of notice to vulnerable areas, like the Coromandel.

"Despite a petition with over 3000 signatures asking TCDC to reconsider replacing the old sirens, the council instead has confirmed the removal of these vital alert systems and no funding in the LTP."

Cholmondeley-Smith says the organisers on Saturday's meeting, to be held in the Whitianga Town Hall, want to let residents know the council's decision.

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"We would like for those representing different communities in the Coromandel to let those at the meeting know if they want to proceed with purchasing sirens for their respective communities. The chairs of Communities or key persons will be at the meeting to share what their community decision is. If communities want sirens then it is their choice at this stage."

There would also be an update on options available.

Those petitioning for sirens to be upgraded criticise what they see as the lack of communication and believe the council is relying too much on mobile technology.

The council's estimate for upgrading 45 sirens to meet national compliance is between $5 million and $9m.

Instead it has $200,000 in the draft 10-year plan for a public education campaign and signs at all main beaches and highways to inform people of ways to be notified of an emergency.