Flood Safety at
Freedom Centre Tauranga

Freedom Centre Tauranga is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all attendees.

Our building is located in an area identified as having potential flood risk during extreme rainfall events. While flooding is not common, we take this risk seriously and have established procedures to ensure everyone onsite is informed, prepared, and able to respond safely.

This page outlines:

• Flood risk awareness
• What to do in a flood event
• How we will communicate with you
• Our emergency procedures

The building at 9 Marsh Street sits within a major overland flowpath — an area where stormwater naturally travels during heavy rainfall. During a significant rainfall event (a 1-in-100-year storm), flood depths at this site could reach up to 0.8 metres.

The flood risk is greatest during:

• Intense or sustained heavy rainfall events
• Rapid surface water runoff from surrounding sealed areas
• Thunderstorms or cyclone-related weather systems

Our emergency team monitors weather conditions before and during every event using the following sources:

• MetService — forecasts, heavy rain alerts, and severe weather bulletins
• Emergency Mobile Alerts (EMA) — government alerts sent directly to smartphones in affected areas
• Bay of Plenty Regional Council — real-time rainfall and flood level data at envdata.boprc.govt.nz

If a flood risk is identified, our team will act immediately. We do not wait for water to arrive.

This map shows flood-prone areas surrounding Freedom Centre Tauranga. Please familiarise yourself with access routes and surrounding areas.

Our Emergency Management Plan (prepared by Brett Otto, August 2025) sets out step-by-step procedures. Here is a plain-language summary:

1. Weather monitoring. Our designated weather monitors track forecasts before and during all events. If a risk is identified, leadership is notified immediately.

2. Event cancellation or early dismissal. If conditions are dangerous, events will be cancelled or dismissed early. Notification is sent via our digital billboard at the site entrance and by email/SMS where possible.

3. Evacuation if required. If evacuation is needed, wardens will direct congregation members to designated safe exit routes. Accessible vans and large vehicles are available on site to assist vulnerable people.

4. Stay calm and follow warden instructions. Do not attempt to drive through floodwater. Follow the directions of wardens and first aiders on site.

The following trained roles are present at every Freedom Centre event:

Weather monitor
Tracks MetService, EMA, and BOPRC data before and during events. Notifies the Evacuation Coordinator if risk thresholds are reached.

Evacuation coordinator
Directs the full evacuation, communicates with emergency services (111), and liaises with Tauranga City Council if required.

Wardens
Guide congregation members to safe exits, assist vulnerable groups, and conduct headcounts at assembly points.

First aiders
Provide immediate medical support and assist vulnerable members during evacuation.

All team members complete annual training. Full drills are conducted annually, with mock barrier deployments twice per year.

If evacuation is required:

• Trained Evacuation Coordinators and Wardens will guide you
• You will be directed to safe exit points and assembly areas
• Transport assistance will be provided if needed

Please follow instructions immediately — delays can increase risk.

Primary route

Exit via the main entrance on the southern side of the building onto Marsh Street. This is the preferred route for all congregation members, including those with mobility needs. Ramps and handrails are provided.

Assembly point: Elevated car park area on Marsh Street — 50m south of the main entrance. Ground level RL3.0m (above flood level).

Secondary route

If the primary route is blocked, exit via the eastern emergency exit to the designated assembly area at 15 Marsh Street.

Assembly point: Higher ground at 15 Marsh Street — 100m east of the building. Ground level RL3.2m (above flood level).

We take extra care to ensure children, elderly members, and people with disabilities are supported during any emergency:

• Children will be accompanied by adults at all times and are prioritised in evacuation.
• Elderly and disabled members will be assisted by wardens using wheelchairs and mobility aids along accessible routes.
• Accessible vans and large vehicles are available on site to transport vulnerable members to assembly points if needed.
• A register of attendees with special needs is maintained at every event so no one is left behind.

Temporary flood barriers are stored on site and can be deployed within 30 minutes of a flood warning being issued. They are designed to hold back water up to 0.8m and are installed at three locations:

Main entrance (south side) - 3m wide barrier

Eastern emergency exit - 2m wide barrier

Northern service door - 1.5m wide barrier

Freedom Centre Tauranga:

• Maintains an active Emergency Management Plan
• Regularly reviews and updates safety procedures
• Keeps records of safety training and emergency drills
• Documents all weather-related event decisions

1. Emergency Management Plan — Brett Otto (15 August 2025)
2. Flood Barrier Design and Plan (Revision A)
3. Resource Consent RC80064286 Decision Report — Tauranga City Council
4. Flood Evacuation Plan — Appendix 2 (June 2025)

By attending events at Freedom Centre Tauranga, you acknowledge that:

• You have been informed of potential flood risks
• You understand the procedures in place
• You agree to follow all safety instructions if required

Contact Freedom Centre administration at the email address below or speak with a warden at any Sunday service.

This page is updated whenever our Emergency Management Plan is reviewed. Last reviewed: April 2026.

admin@freedomcentre.nz
Freedom Centre Tauranga, 9 Marsh Street