Wairau/ Awatere Resource Management Plan As previously noted no natural hazards directly affecting human activities presently occur along the coastline. The Council is in a position to maintain this and avoid any activities which may give rise to natural hazards or be affected by potential future hazards. To accurately establish the potential impacts of hazards and develop detailed policy, further research is required. 17.4.3 Methods of Implementation Rules Plan rules will be used to ensure that the effects of coastal hazards are a factor taken into account in the consideration of applications for coastal permits. Research The Council will conduct research into the potential effects of sea level rise and tsunami and record the hazard on the Council’s Hazards Register. Liaison The Council will liaise with agencies conducting research into the effects of coastal hazards and will maintain emergency procedures in association with Emergency Response. Education The Council will develop and provide material and advice on mitigation of coastal hazards. Monitoring The Council will maintain an information base relating to the frequency and nature of coastal hazards. Due to the undeveloped nature of the coastline the risk from natural hazards arising on the coast are relatively minor. Consideration should however, always be given to avoiding risk. Information describing the frequency and extent of potential natural hazards is an essential precursor to the community taking appropriate measures to minimise the threat of damage or danger. The Natural Hazards Register will provide an information base detailing the risk of natural hazard occurrence. A co-ordinated emergency response process will ensure that the community is warned about and is prepared for any known hazard occurrence. 17.5 Landslide/Soil Erosion 17.5.1 Issue Danger to life and property from the effects of slope failure. Slope instability involves ground failure by falling, sliding and/ or flowage of material downslope, and may occur within bedrock or in the mantling soil. It is of concern in some parts because of the potential effects of earth movements to affect residential sites (Wither Hills, for example), rural areas/ sites and, rivers and transportation routes. In general, rainstorm, tectonic or other naturally generated slope failures are unlikely to require emergency services response unless accompanied by extensive flooding and/ or pose a threat to a population centre. The fact that transportation corridors are obviously vulnerable to such events means that agencies have an important 17 - 10