Tsunami safe point signs put up

Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence's Angela Reade, and Tauranga City Council's Paul Baunton mark the first tsunami evacuation sign part way up Mauao.Photo/John Borren

The first signs advising Western Bay residents of a tsunami safe point have been launched at Mount Maunganui.

The tsunami evacuation signs were placed at several points around Mount Maunganui, west of Banks Ave.

They instruct residents to walk to Mauao in case of a tsunami and climb at least 3.7m, where another sign advises them of the tsunami safe point.

Tauranga City Council manager of emergency management and safety Paul Baunton said it seemed like a smart idea to get the message out to both the holiday and residential population at Mount Maunganui.

"We are aware now of size of the maximum credible event [tsunami] that's approximately 12.5m wave. So we've been working on getting people to that elevation," he said.

"We first gained information about the size of the wave in September 2012.

"We've only just understood where the wave will then run over the ground."

Mr Baunton said tsunami-impact studies showed a tsunami would flood through downtown The Mount from the main beach over to Pilot Bay.

The council will focus on escape routes in the Otumoetai, Kulim Park area next, with signs expected to be erected in about March.

When asked about Papamoa, Mr Baunton said work would begin today on tsunami evacuation plans.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence's Angela Reade said although it had been a long time coming, "it's about getting it right".

"This will be really good for families to know where a safe point is and they can practice it this summer."

Western Bay of Plenty police Inspector Karl Wright St-Clair said he supported the council's efforts. "I think it's a very easy and sensible planning that fits in well with the area and the natural geography we have got here."

The rest of this evacuation route planning should be done within six months to a year.