TECTONIC TIMES Earthquake Strikes Wellington On January 14th, 2012 at 13:47 UTC time an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 struck the south islands of New Zealand. This included Wellington, the capital. The earthquake occurred 182 miles away from Wellington. This was just one of many earthquakes that happened in the Wellington region. One of the worst earthquakes that hit Wellington, New Zealand was January 23rd, 1855. This earthquake was a magnitude of 8.2. In the overall earthquake, there were four casualties. In Wellington there was only one. Damage was extensive with many buildings collapsing. This earthquake was the most powerful ever recorded in Wellington, New Zealand.
Other Natural Disasters Mt. Wellington is the largest scoria cone in the Auckland Volcanic Field. The last time the volcano erupted was about 9000 years ago. Scientists believe that Mt. Wellington will not erupt again, but another eruption will probably occur in a new location. Another natural disaster that doesn't occur often in Wellington is tsunamis. Wellington is prepared for the potential threat. They have developed maps that identify areas within the region which may be at risk from tsunamis.
Economy of Wellington New Zealand' s economy is based on agriculture. The main exports are meat, dairy products, forest products, fruits, vegetables, fish, and wool. Also, New Zealand's economy has been helped by relations with Australia. These two countries are partner in Closer Economic Relations. This allows free trade in goods and most services. New Zealand welcomes and encourages foreign investment without discrimination. Wellington, New Zealand has a great economy. Plate tectonic activity could negatively effect the economy.
Disaster Preparedness Plan Wellington, New Zealand takes their disaster preparedness plan very seriously. Celia WadeBrown, Mayor of Wellington, said " Reducing the risks, being ready and encouraging households, schools, and workplaces to be ready, strengthening water, power and transport infrastructure are some ways that we prepare for disasters." Wellington has already strengthened a number of public buildings like the civic art gallery, but have more to do. They are half way through strengthening their social housing. "We run emergency drills every six months or so but I think these need to involve more people more actively" says Mayor Brown. Wellington, New Zealand is very active in improving the community for natural disasters.
Daily Life in Wellington Wellington, New Zealand is a busy place full of many people. The population was around 448,956 in the year of 2006. Many people in Wellington are in the occupational group of 'Professionals'. Citizens 15 years and over most likely have jobs. The average income is around $28,000. Wellington has a temperate climate. The average daily temperature is around 20.3 C. The average daily temperature for winter is 5.9 C. Where ever you live you are probably within one hour from the ocean. People can mountain bike, snowboard, and surf on the same day. Wellington also has a lot of music and operas. Some of the worlds top opera singers, musicians, writers, and painters are from Wellington. Wellington has a variety of cuisine and many wineries to please different people.
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Extra Credit Hi Taylor Yes we do have plans - reducing the risks, being ready and encouraging households, schools and workplaces to be ready, strengthening water, power and transport infrastructure. We have already strengthened a number of public buildings like the civic art gallery but have more to do. We are about half way through strengthening our social housing - also insulating and upgrading. We also run emergency drills every six months or so but I think these need to involve more people more actively. I hope this helps. For more detail, look at the webpages http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/emergencymgmt/index.html . We do also have regional emergency management plan but it's very detailed and is also in the process of being updated. I live close to Pariwhero or Red Rocks reserve which is quite dramatic as a place of geological interest. See http://www.newzealand.com/int/article/red-rocks-reserve/ Kind Regards Celia Wade-Brown Mayor of Wellington Level 1, Town Hall, 111 Wakefield Street PO Box 2199, Wellington New Zealand Ph 64 4 801 3102 Fax 64 4 801 3033 Email mayor@wcc.govt.nz<mailto:mayor@wcc.govt.nz> Web www.Wellington.govt.nz<http://www.Wellington.govt.nz>
On 14/01/2012, at 12:15 PM, "Taylor Heckman" <tsoccerchick799@yahoo.com<mailto:tsoccerchick799@yahoo.com>> wrote: Dear Mayor Brown, Hi. My name is Taylor Heckman. I am 13 years old and in 7th grade. I am working on a science project about the geology of Wellington New Zealand. I wanted to know if you had a disaster preparedness plan or any other information about the geology of Wellington New Zealand you could give me. If possible, please Email me back at tsoccerchick799@yahoo.com<mailto:tsoccerchick799@yahoo.com>. Thank you. Sincerely, Taylor Heckman