Wednesday, 9 September 2026
In the Bay of Plenty, one of the most significant hazards we face is a tsunami.
A tsunami is a series of powerful waves predominately caused by sudden movements in the seafloor. Other triggers of tsunami include landslides, undersea volcanic eruptions, and meteorite impacts. There are three different sources of tsunami that the Bay of Plenty is exposed to. These are local, regional, and distant source tsunami.
For a local-source tsunami which can arrive within minutes, there is not enough time for an official warning. That’s why it’s important to recognise the natural warning signs and remember, ‘Long or Strong, Get Gone’.
If you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more, move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as possible out of tsunami evacuation zones.
If you would like to learn more about tsunami in the Bay of Plenty, check out our Hazardscape Video on Youtube. You can also access the full version of the Hazardscape Report on our website for more information on all of the different hazards in our rohe.
The more you know, the better prepared you are.