Waihi villagers return home after state of emergency lifted
Friday 3 July 2009, 11:52AM
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GNS Science yesterday reported no significant new signs of cracking or movement in the Hipaua thermal area above Waihi village, allowing villagers to return to their homes.
The news was delivered to the Waihi residents last night at the Hirangi marae in Tokaanu at 5pm, and was greeted with a sigh of relief from villagers.
The scientific report states that while there is still a significant risk in the area, it is no more unsafe than it has been in recent years. The state of emergency declaration was lifted and state highway 41 reopened at 7pm last night.
Waihi villager John Mariu acknowledged the reports caution saying “We will return with comfort, but still with concerns.” He said “When you live somewhere as beautiful as Waihi I guess it’s the price you have to pay.” He also extended his appreciation on behalf of Waihi village to Taupo District Council and Civil Defence staff.
Minister of Civil Defence John Carter, who was present in Tokaanu when the good news was delivered, said “I am very proud of the Civil Defence team and the way they have handled the situation.” He continued to commend the Waihi residents on their resilience as a group. “They have given me confidence in New Zealanders, and should be an example to the rest of New Zealand of how to act in a Civil Defence emergency.”
Civil Defence controller Shamus Howard also applauded the villagers for their initiative in contacting Civil Defence on Saturday after the initial earthquakes. He recognised the fact that a voluntary self evacuation is extremely rare in these circumstances, and thanked them for their support and vigilance.
Mayor Rick Cooper assured villagers that there would be ongoing monitoring of the thermal site.
There is still a significant risk to certain parts of Waihi Village and the lodge from the landslip potential. The three main contributing factors are lubrication (rainfall), seismic activity and geothermal activity. While the occurrence of any one factor will not significantly contribute to a slip, a combination of these factors have the potential for a slip to occur. It was the combination of two recent earthquakes reaching over 4 on the Richter scale, and moderate rain that led to Civil Defence taking the proactive stance this week.
Some villagers returned to their homes immediately on Thursday night, while others would return in the morning. A welfare centre had been set up at the Hirangi marae and local backpackers in Tokaanu and continued until Friday to accommodate villagers who had evacuated their homes.