A review of active faultlines in this region has identified a fault under Wanaka.

The review of faults in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts was prepared by GNS Science for the Otago Regional Council (ORC), and will be considered by councillors at their monthly meeting this Thursday (March 21).

The report reviews the locations and characteristics of active faults, combining previously collected information with the latest available data. In total, 48 active or potentially active faults were assessed across the two districts.

The review has identified a likely fault under Wanaka, which may be part of the NW Cardrona Fault. This fault was previously thought to have run northeast from the Cardrona Valley through Albert Town to Hawea. Scientists now consider that the fault runs north past the foot of Mt Alpha and beneath part of Wanaka township.

ORC natural hazards analyst Dr Ben Mackey said further work was needed to substantiate the findings and any implications for Wanaka.

“Currently, some of the information we have about these faults dates back several decades,” Ben said.

“Since that time, technology has greatly improved, as has the scientific understanding of how faults behave. If it is confirmed that an active fault runs under Wanaka, the new information can be incorporated into community resilience planning.”

Earthquakes have always been a feature of this region’s “hazard-scape”, Emergency Management Otago director Chris Hawker said.

“For any event, earthquake, flood or other, we encourage all households and businesses to prepare to cope without electricity for an extended period, and for water and sewerage systems to be out of action.”

For more on how to prepare for an emergency, visit the Emergency Management Otago website and for help making an emergency plan visit here.

The ORC and Queenstown Lakes District Council said they understand there are likely to be questions that arise from these findings and will be providing further information over the coming weeks.

PHOTO: Lake Wanaka Tourism