The Hāwea Community Response Group is committed to fostering resilience within our community to withstand natural and social disasters. While Hāwea's history includes incidents of flooding, the life-threatening potential of earthquakes presents a much greater risk. Therefore, earthquake preparedness is our top priority, and we actively engage in community-wide initiatives to mitigate this risk. 

There are two fault lines running through the Hāwea district; however, geological evidence suggests that these fault lines have not ruptured for thousands of years. The primary risk in the event of a major earthquake (magnitude 7 or 8) is from landslides in the surrounding mountains. Large landslides into the lake could generate significant waves that travel toward Hāwea township. While the township itself will be safe, the dam might experience water flowing over the top, which could endanger people crossing the dam by vehicle or on foot.

Additionally, landslides above the dam could weaken the state highway side of the dam, potentially leading to the closure of the dam to all traffic until it is deemed safe to cross. Everyone must prepare for the fact that initially getting across the dam and into the township may not be possible. Landslips around Maungawera Hill will certainly bring down trees and make the road impassable. Cars could be backed up for miles, and travel to Hāwea would need to be by foot. Crossing the Hāwea River may become a challenge in the few hours after the earthquake, given the dam is not compromised nor Camp Hill bridge.

Key issues for Hāwea district residents to consider include:

• Lack of local employment, which necessitates daily travel over hills, slopes, and rivers, all of which could be compromised in an earthquake.

• Older children attending school in Wanaka.

• Younger children attending school at Hāwea Flat.

• Pets being at home.

• The daily routines of local families, which increase the likelihood of family members being separated during an earthquake.

• The potential failure of the mobile phone network, with fibre internet connections also likely to fail.

Given these circumstances, it is crucial for families to have a well-thought-out emergency plan in place. Have you discussed and prepared for these scenarios with your family? 

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Possibility of slips and trees downs limiting road access to Lake Hāwea

Entrance across the dam could experience a slip from the above hill as well as wave topping 

The Hāwea area covered by Hawea CRG