Aircraft Crashes
The Bay of Plenty has three primary airports at Whakatane, Rotorua and Tauranga. Whakatane and Tauranga have a passenger range from 2 to approximately 20 persons on board, while Rotorua can handle 737 type aircraft with a capacity of between 120 and 140. The likelihood of a major air crash beyond the capabilities of emergency services is remote. The last major aircraft crash in the Bay of Plenty was in July 1963 when a NAC Skyline DC 3 crashed in the Kaimai Range killing all 23 onboard.Between 1996-1999 there were approximately 40 aircraft accidents in Auckland, approximately 13% of the total accidents recorded throughout New Zealand over this period. The majority of accidents occur with small aircraft. Since 1990 there have been 11 accidents involving moderate sized aircraft, four in 1990, two in 1991, one in 1993, three in 1995, and one in 1997.
Dam failure
There are a number of dams in the Bay of Plenty. The Matahina Dam on the Rangitaiki River suffered damage as a result of the 1987 Edgecumbe Earthquake. It was successfully repaired and coped very well in the July floods of 2004. Dam failure can result from natural factors (such as earthquakes), and poor design, construction and operation. Most dam failures occur within the first few years of construction. Historically in New Zealand poor foundation materials, poor dam drainage and weak construction materials are the three primary factors associated with dam failure.
Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substances releases have significant potential to impact on the health and safety of people and the environment. Large quantities are stored throughout the region and in particular the Mt. Maunganui industrial and tank farm areas. Hazardous substances release can be caused by natural hazards (such as volcanic action and earthquakes), transport crashes, criminal activity and lack of care during use, storage or disposal. The effects of a hazardous substances release can be increased if two hazardous substances stored in close proximity trigger a chemical reaction in the other. Hazardous substances releases can cause large explosions, toxic gas plumes, water pollution and can affect a large area. Mass release of hazardous substances in or near urban areas may result in the need to declare a state of emergency
Lifeline Utility failure
All modern urban areas are highly dependent upon the services provided by their lifeline utilities and are consequently very vulnerable to their failure. Lifeline utility failure can be caused by natural hazards (such as volcanism, earthquakes, tsunami and flooding), poor maintenance, criminal acts or computer system failure. The consequences of lifeline utility failure are variable and depend upon the type of utility that has failed.
Shipping accidents
The Port of Tauranga has many visits from major cruise liners during the summer cruise season. This coupled with its major role as one of New Zealand's busiest ports does raise the possibility of major collisions between vessels, structures or oil spill or fire incidents. The analysis indicates that the likelihood of such events is not high and would be within the capacity of emergency and port services.
Vandalism and terrorism
Most acts of terrorism are designed for maximum effect. New Zealand is an unlikely target, but disaffected groups may copy terrorist methods to attract attention to their cause. The threat of terrorist activities will continue to be evaluated and internationally the profile of terrorist activities is growing. There is no evidence to suggest that the exposure of people in the Bay of Plenty to terrorism will increase or decrease. A terrorist attack against New Zealand is more likely to happen in Wellington, the seat of parliamentary power.
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Major Road/Rail Crashes
The Bay of Plenty does not have a network of high flow roading infrastructure. Nor does it have a passenger train service within and connecting to other areas. Any major crash, although stretching and testing local emergency services, is unlikely to require outside assistance.
