Media statement by David Lean
Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller
July 30, 2007

Thank You, Taranaki

This month’s tornado emergency was a horrendous and frightening time for many Taranaki families, some of whom will face major disruptions in their lives for months to come.

But the emergency also brought out the best in the region. As Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller for Taranaki, it was with pride and gratitude that I watched a response that could only be described as magnificent.

Such was the enthusiasm to help out that the Fire Service eventually had to turn away volunteers. No one needed the beds that Civil Defence was able to offer on the night – those whose houses were uninhabitable were taken care of by family, friends and neighbours. And the morning after the maelstrom, Oakura and other affected communites and neighbourhoods were abuzz with energy as hundreds flocked in to help with the clean-up and repairs – assisted by generous material donations from businesses.

We don’t know who many of these helpers were but on behalf of the CDEM Group I warmly thank them all.

Also due for thanks are those whose involvement was more formal and structured:
 Police, firefighters and ambulance staff and management who, as always, performed above and beyond the call of duty.
 Our Civil Defence volunteers, and those from Red Cross/NZ-RT.
 The staff, management and elected members of the region’s Civil Defence Emergency Management Group partners – the Taranaki Regional Council and the New Plymouth, South Taranaki and Stratford District Councils.
 Staff of the Ministry of Social Development, the Taranaki District Health Board and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter.
 Powerco and Transfield Services staff and contractors.
 Victim Support people.
 The Army and the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
 The Oakura Bowling Club.
 Private companies and other organisations that generously provided staff and resources.

As I’ve already noted, the emergency may now be over but many families are still struggling with the damage left in its wake.

Accordingly, assistance from the Taranaki Disaster Relief Fund will be available for another month, until the end of August. The fund is administered by the region’s three District Mayors and the Chairman of the Taranaki Regional Council, and application forms are available from District Council offices and the Oakura Library.

Those needing any further information or assistance can contact Recovery Manager Bev Raine at the Emergency Management Office on 06 758 1110.

Donations to the Taranaki Disaster Relief Fund can be made at any branch of the BNZ. There will also be a fundraising concert, featuring Wellington performer Shaun Preston and local bands Backlash and MMC, at the TSB Showplace at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 15 August. Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for children or $70 for a family, and they will be available through Ticketek.

I’m sure this cause will get the support it deserves, judging by the response generated by the tornado emergency. It’s been a case of Taranaki people doing it the Taranaki way – and doing it right.

ENDS

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