Te Mahere Whakawātea ā-Iwi
A shared iwi-wide evacuation planning framework connecting iwi, hapū, marae and whānau. This plan is public and shareable — print it, share it, keep it handy.
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This Iwi Evacuation Plan is grounded in the kaupapa of Whakatōhea — our values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kaitiakitanga guide everything we do in emergency planning and response.
The Te Whakatōhea rohe (Eastern Bay of Plenty, from Ōhiwa Harbour to Ōpōtiki and inland) faces several natural hazards:
The Hikurangi subduction zone offshore can produce large earthquakes and tsunami. If an earthquake is long or strong — get gone.
Heavy rainfall can cause rapid flooding in low-lying coastal areas and near rivers. Never drive or walk through flood waters.
Coastal exposure means high winds, storm surge, and heavy rain. Secure outdoor items and stay indoors during severe weather.
Steep terrain and coastal roads are vulnerable to slips after heavy rain or earthquakes. Have alternative routes planned.
Evacuation may be triggered by any of the following:
Official tsunami warning from Civil Defence or long/strong earthquake felt at the coast.
Rising water levels threatening homes or cutting off access routes.
Wildfire or structure fire threatening populated areas.
Major landslides or land subsidence threatening safety.
Official evacuation order from emergency services or Civil Defence.
For planning purposes, the Whakatōhea rohe is divided into evacuation zones based on geography, marae locations, and hazard exposure:
Ōhiwa, Waiōtahe, Ōpōtiki township
Hazards: Tsunami, storm surge, flooding
Waioweka, Waiaua valleys
Hazards: Flooding, landslides
Torere, Hawai
Hazards: Earthquake, coastal flooding, landslides
Marae are the backbone of our evacuation network. Each marae has a designated role:
Primary gathering point where whānau assemble before moving to welfare hubs or higher ground.
Designated location providing shelter, food, water, and basic medical support during an emergency.
Central storage and distribution point for emergency supplies, food, water, and equipment.
Hub for radio communications, information sharing, and coordination with Civil Defence.
Marae that is not suitable for this particular hazard (e.g. tsunami zone) — whānau directed elsewhere.
Key transport considerations for evacuation in the Whakatōhea rohe:
State Highway 2 (coastal) and State Highway 35 (east) are our main arterial evacuation routes. Know where the nearest high ground is from your location.
Inland roads through the Waioeka Gorge and local roads provide alternatives if highways are blocked. Each marae should identify at least two evacuation routes.
Some whānau may not have access to transport. Marae and hapū should coordinate transport for kaumātua, those with mobility needs, and whānau without vehicles.
For tsunami evacuation, know the quickest walking route to high ground — you may only have minutes. Do not use a vehicle in a tsunami evacuation.
Communication during an emergency is critical. Our communication plan includes:
Battery-powered or wind-up radios are the most reliable source. Tune to RNZ National (101.0 FM in Ōpōtiki) or local iwi radio.
Keep mobile phones charged. Emergency alerts are sent to compatible phones in affected areas — no sign-up needed.
Each marae maintains a phone tree or messaging group to quickly reach their hapū members.
The Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board coordinates iwi-level communication and liaises with Civil Defence and emergency services.
Our approach to welfare during evacuation is grounded in manaakitanga — caring for all:
Recovery after an emergency is a long-term process. Our approach:
Check on neighbours and whānau. Register at welfare centres so authorities and whānau know you are safe.
Marae serve as reconnection points where whānau can find each other, share information, and access support.
Recovery may take months or years. Support services, marae-based programmes, and iwi coordination continue long after the immediate emergency.
Emergency (Fire, Police, Ambulance): 111
Ōpōtiki Police Station: (07) 315 1110
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence: 0800 368 267
Bay of Plenty Regional Council (flood info): 0800 884 880
Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board: 118 Church Street, Ōpōtiki
In an emergency, always dial 111 first.
For non-urgent welfare and coordination, contact your marae representative or the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board.
Download and print these resources for your whānau and marae: