Civil Defence system scrutinised
Minister of Civil Defence Kris Faafoi was in Dannevirke on Friday, June 15 to seek feedback on how New Zealand’s Civil Defence Emergency Management System can be improved.
Mr Faafoi, with Kieran McAnulty, met with the mayors of the Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa districts, councillors and council staff at a mayoral forum in Greytown. They went on to Dannevirke to meet with the Tararua District mayor and council staff.
“These four districts cover a huge swathe of the North Island east of the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges and they face a range of hazards, from floods and storms to earthquakes and tsunami,” Mr Faafoi said.
“I’m eager to tap into the local knowledge and experience they have gleaned over the years as I gather feedback about how we can improve our system to protect New Zealanders from natural disasters and other emergencies.”
In January, Mr Faafoi released a report into how New Zealand responds to natural disasters and emergencies, the Ministerial Review ‘Better Responses to Natural Disasters and other Emergencies in New Zealand’.
A technical advisory group (TAG) was formed to provide advice, and Mr Faafoi hopes to be in a position to confirm the Government response to the TAG recommendations later this year.
“I’ve seen again in Gisborne and in other areas that have felt the effects of weather that we do have a system that is there when our communities need it. But the increasing frequency of these events and the learnings I am hearing from people around New Zealand make me sure there are things we can improve on.
“I’m looking forward to hearing more from the Tararua and Wairarapa communities and I am extremely grateful to the regions for the openness and consideration given to how we can improve so far. Iwi, who are extremely important in providing a response in many rural communities, have also generously contributed their time and expertise and this all makes for a strong response and stronger system for when we need it.”