In an emergency

Like the rest of the world, the Bay of Plenty is not immune to emergency situations. Disasters can occur in our beautiful region, sometimes without warning.

If you need emergency services right now, dial 111.

If a regional emergency is happening, you can check the latest official updates on the Bay of Plenty Emergency Management (Civil Defence) website, or Facebook or Twitter pages.

 

HOSPITALS

Tauranga Hospital & Emergency Department

829 Cameron Road, Tauranga

Phone +64 7 579 8000

 

Whakatāne Hospital & Emergency Department 

Stewart Street, Whakatāne

Phone +64 7 306 0999

 

Waihī Beach Medical Centre

47 Wilson Road, Waihī Beach

Phone +64 7 863 5757

 

AFTER HOURS DOCTORS

Accident & Healthcare

Open everyday from 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

19 Second Avenue, Tauranga

Phone +64 7 577 0010

  

AFTER HOURS CHEMISTS / PHARMACIES

Unichem John’s Photo Pharmacy

Open every day from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

292 Cameron Road, Tauranga

Phone +64 7 578 3566

 

Your Pharmacy Mount Maunganui

Opening Hours:

8:00 am – 6:30 pm, Monday – Friday

8:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays

42 Girven Road, Mount Maunganui

Phone: +64 7 574 8645

 

EARTHQUAKE

Always remember to Drop, Cover and Hold.

The same process applies if you're outside near structures, trees or anything else that could fall on you and cause harm.

If you're in bed, stay there and cover yourself with blankets and sheets and a pillow for your head and neck.

Be aware of your surroundings so you'll be ready to Drop, Cover and Hold during any aftershocks. These can happen just minutes after the initial shock.

If you're in a vehicle when an earthquake happens, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible (ideally away from anything that could fall down). Apply the brakes, stay seated with your belt fastened, and wait until the shaking stops. Then drive carefully, being mindful of unexpected road gaps or slips and avoiding bridges and ramps wherever possible.

Use social media or text messages to contact loved ones, in order to keep phone lines clear for emergency services. Keep informed of any emergency updates via appropriate radio or internet sources.

For more details about a recent earthquake (e.g. location, magnitude and time), check GeoNet NZ.

TSUNAMI

If you are near a coastline and an earthquake feels long or strong, you see the sea level suddenly rise or fall, or you hear strange noises coming from the sea, then head to high ground or as far inland as possible. Long or Strong, Get Gone - do not wait for official warnings.

Walking, running, or cycling is recommended if you need to evacuate. This will reduce the chance of getting stuck in a traffic jam and can assist less mobile people who will need to use vehicles to evacuate.

Stay tuned to the radio or keep checking for updates online and await further instruction from Civil Defence. Stay in a safe zone, away from the coast, estuaries, rivers and streams, until Civil Defence officially announces the all-clear. 

Flooding

If you receive a warning or believe flooding is possible, be ready to evacuate with your grab bag of essential items, move valuables and animals to high ground, and prepare to turn utilities off, if possible. Stay tuned to emergency updates via radio, television or the internet.

It can be dangerous to walk, swim or drive through floodwater. It is also highly likely to be contaminated, which can create serious health hazards.

If anything does make contact with floodwater, you should thoroughly wash or dispose of it as soon as possible. Avoid using tap water for drinking or food preparation, as it may be contaminated.

Avoid affected areas and do not return to your home or accommodation until you have been given the all-clear by emergency services.

Volcanic eruption

Listen to the radio for advice and instructions from NZ Civil Defence.

Find shelter in a vehicle or building. Close all doors and windows to restrict the entry of volcanic ash, which is a health hazard.

Use social media and texting to contact friends and family. This will help keep the phone lines clear for emergency calls.

If you must go outside, wear protective gear such as face masks and goggles and keep your skin covered. 

Keep animals indoors so they don’t ingest ash.

Do not drive during heavy ashfall. It can clog the engine and damage your vehicle.

 

Contagious illnesses

You may need to stay at home or isolate in short-term accommodation if you're feeling sick or need to care for someone who is ill.

Keep contact details of friends and family nearby, in case you need any support. For more information you can check the Manatū Ora | Ministry of Health website.

Strictly follow any official instructions from local authorities to keep yourself, and anyone you might interact with, as safe as possible. 

Violence or terrorism

If a threat is made, a suspicious object is discovered, or someone is potentially or definitely armed with a weapon, stay calm, try and move to a safer location, and dial 111 to notify the police as soon as you can.

Avoid public protests which may become volatile.

Promptly obey instructions from emergency authorities (such as the police). 

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