The roadshow, part of a two-yearly series, aims to bring together local residents, emergency managers and scientists to discuss the potential impacts of a major Alpine Fault earthquake and offer practical advice on how to prepare for it. The event will feature talks by specialists such as AF8 programme manager Alice Lake-Hammond and AF8 science lead Dr Tom Robinson.
Ms Lake-Hammond emphasised the importance of communities having proactive discussions about earthquake preparedness.
"New Zealanders are amazing at coming together after an emergency event, and what we’re really asking people to do is do it now," she said.
"Science isn’t about knowing all the things, it’s about helping us understand and about finding out what it means for us."
Dr Robinson, who leads the scientific aspect of the AF8 programme, shared alarming statistics about the fault’s potential.
The AF8 Roadshow aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and local preparedness efforts, highlighting the value of collaboration between emergency management groups and scientists.
"This event provides a platform for communities to engage with experts and gain insight into what they can do to reduce risks and increase their resilience," Ms Lake-Hammond added.
Residents of Omarama and surrounding areas are urged to come with questions and ideas, as the roadshow will foster an interactive environment for discussion. The roadshow will continue its journey throughout the South Island, with scheduled stops in Queenstown, Alexandra, Gore and Te Anau, among others, throughout April and May, ending in Reefton on May 29.
The AF8 programme focuses on building a community’s readiness for the inevitable earthquake along the Alpine Fault, emphasising the importance of collective action in times of disaster. The roadshow also offers public talks and school visits, hosted by local emergency management teams, to ensure that communities are as prepared as possible for this looming natural hazard.
