Christchurch City Council now says the supplier responding to a motor vehicle accident was the reason tsunami sirens failed to sound during a test over the weekend.

The test, which was supposed to be carried out on Sunday, was part of the council’s regular checks of the tsunami warning system across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. However, the sirens did not activate as expected.

In an updated response sent to chrislynchmedia.com, Council Head of Community Support and Partnerships John Filsell said the contractor responsible for triggering the sirens was providing immediate assistance at the scene of a crash outside their property at the time.

“We recognise that it is not acceptable to have a system that relies so heavily on one individual,” Filsell said. “That’s why discussions are underway with our external supplier to ensure there are sufficient safeguards in the system to reduce the risk of this happening in the future.”

The Council has also confirmed a wider review of the role of sirens in the tsunami warning system is underway, and the issues experienced on Sunday will be considered as part of that process.

“We are currently reviewing the role of sirens in the tsunami warning system for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula,” Filsell said. “The issues experienced on Sunday will form part of that review.”

He added that further comment would be made once the review is complete.

Coastal Ward Community Board Member Jo Zervos said she has submitted several questions in response to a memo about the recent tsunami siren testing failure and has requested an update on previous work related to the area’s emergency response planning.

“Coincidentally, board staff already have an information session and workshop scheduled for 12 May,” she said. “If you have any questions or concerns you’d like raised, please let us know.”