A group working on preparing the South Island for an Alpine Fault earthquake has received another $170,000 in government funding.
Project AF8, established in 2016, brings together local, regional and national organisations to produce a robust emergency response following a major quake generated by a rupture of the Alpine Fault.
The new funding, for year three, was announced by Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi as part of the 2018 Resilience Fund, administered by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management to support initiatives that improve resilience locally and regionally.
Emergency Management Southland manager Angus McKay said since the project began last year, awareness had been raised of the likely scenario for when the fault ruptured, which would have major ramifications for infrastructure and communities across the South Island.
"We have improved co-operation across the South Island and have a very strong relationship with key scientists working towards understanding earthquakes in New Zealand.
"This year we are developing a Safer (South Island Alpine Fault earthquake response) plan, which will guide the response for the first seven days in any future Alpine Fault rupture event."
The new funding would help with planning, community engagement, maintaining links within the science community and securing further long-term funding, he said.
Mr McKay said having an effective plan for all of the South Island was the best way to be prepared.
"Now that we have the basis of a really good response plan, we need to ensure that the systems, resources and people are in place to enact it when it is required.
"A plan can’t just be tucked away and forgotten about."
