The tsunami warnings initiated earlier today following the magnitude 8.1 earthquake near the Kermadec Islands have now been called off. Thankfully the warnings did not eventuate in any major damage or reported injury, however some member businesses were affected or unable to trade as a result of the alert. If your business was interrupted and you have business or employment questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Please contact the helpline on 0800 737 827, we are here to help.
Areas that were of concern:
- The West Coast of the North Island from CAPE REINGA to AHIPARA.
- The East Coast of the North Island from CAPE REINGA to WHANGAREI, from MATATA to TOLAGA BAY including Whakatane and Opotiki.
- GREAT BARRIER ISLAND.
People in all New Zealand coastal areas should: Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nz. Listen to local Civil Defence authorities and follow any instructions regarding evacuation of your area. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats). Stay off beaches and shore areas. Do not go sightseeing. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends. Keep up to date with the Civil Defense website.
Employment / Business guidance
For members who have businesses who were affected by the current alert central and you have business or employment-related queries, the Association has a number of resources available to assist.
Download our Emergency Response – Tsunami March 2021 resource here.
Please also call the Helpline on 0800 737 827 for assistance.
Wellbeing and health
A event like this can trigger different emotional responses, while not all people will be impacted in the same way. There are some who will feel no personal impact at all and require no help but there will be others who will feel more affected.
Please be aware that we can help with these matters through our partnership with EAP. We also have a number of wellness and mental health resources made in collaboration with the Mental Health Foundation on our website.
To help you prioritise your health and wellbeing, we have also secured some free Clearhead subscriptions for members. Clearhead is an online mental wellbeing platform and support service, offering real-time consultations with a digital councillor. Clearhead is powered by smart AI technology that mimics a consultation with your GP. This online conversation is a non-judgmental space where you can discuss what you are going through and receive support. Clearhead will create and guide you through your own personalised wellbeing plan, based on your unique situation. This plan can be worked through at your own pace and will offer you mental health tools and lessons. Find out more about Clearhead on their website here. To register for one of these free subscriptions please signup here.
We will update with further information as it becomes avialable.