Bay of Plenty residents are being encouraged to share their views on how councils should manage potential impacts of natural hazards in the region.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council are inviting everyone to attend a 'Living with risk' gathering to have their say on planning for disasters such as earthquakes,
floods, tsunami or eruptions.
Regional Planner Martin Butler said less than 27 per cent of people were prepared for a natural disaster which could happen at any time in the Bay.
"It's important to think carefully about how we can minimise the damage of such an event to our lives and livelihoods," said Mr Butler.
"The Natural Hazards Policy of the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement will guide district and city plan rules that influence where people live and work, and how they develop land and infrastructure. We're currently reviewing that policy and we need information from the community to do so. Information gathered from the community sessions will help us to ensure a good balance between individual and shared responsibility in the policy."
