Kauraka e Mataku, kia Takatū! Don't be scared, be prepared!

According to Ngāi Tahu creation stories, earthquakes are caused by Rūaumoko, the son of Ranginui (the Sky Father) and his wife Papatūanuku (the Earth Mother). Māori had experienced rū whenua, which means ‘the shaking of the land’ for centuries. The Alpine Fault is the longest naturally forming straight line on earth. It marks the meeting of two large tectonic plates and has formed over millions of years, stretching longer, lifting our landscape up out of the ocean, and creating the peaks of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) with every large earthquake it generates.

A large Alpine Fault earthquake happening in our lifetimes is no doubt a scary thought! While we can’t predict when it will happen, we can work together to be better prepared for it by sharing our mātauranga (knowledge), science and experiences of past earthquakes and emergencies, to raise awareness, build understanding and strengthen our relationships. The better connected we are beforehand, the easier it will be to support each other during and after. 

The next large Alpine Fault earthquake will challenge us. It will take time to understand the impact and for the emergency response to reach everyone. Communities may need to be self-sufficient and work together to keep each other safe. Preparing your home and your whānau for any emergency is the best way to keep everyone calm, safe and comfortable.

Check out the following links for ideas and advice to get you started.
https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/opportunities...
https://getready.govt.nz/
https://www.eqc.govt.nz/be-prepared/

Co-produced by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu & the AF8 Programme with co-sponsorship from Toka Tū Ake EQC. Full video credits: https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/opportunities...

For more information on the AF8 Programme, visit their website: https://af8.org.nz/