Local communities are our first responders and must be fully resourced and enabled to manage emergencies for as long as
is needed until outside help can arrive if required. (Photo supplied)
Following the recent announcement that the Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) Bill will not proceed in its
current form Ruapehu District Council Chief Executive Clive Manley is calling for increased resourcing to empower local
communities and improve local and regional resilience within New Zealand’s emergency management framework.
With over 30 years of experience as a Controller in civil defence and other emergency responses Mr Manley explained that
local communities are our first responders and must be fully enabled to manage emergencies until outside help can
arrive.
“The recent announcement that the CDEM bill will not proceed in its current form presents an opportunity to ensure the
revised CDEM bill has a strong focus on empowering local communities,” he said. “Communities are the first level of
response during emergencies, and it is vital they are funded and equipped to respond quickly, safely and effectively.”
He emphasised the necessity of a reliable alerting system as part of empowering local communities, stating, “A reliable
national framework for an alerting and information system is essential. Communities need timely alerts to take necessary
actions such as evacuations or avoiding hazards. Understanding hazards and setting alert thresholds are a crucial part
of this.”
Further, Manley highlighted the importance of pre-planning and preparedness, noting, “Communities need to have action
plans in place that respond to known threats. Establishing community leaders who can communicate and manage resources is
key. Identifying and supporting vulnerable members is also critical. As demonstrated during the COVID19 response local
iwi often have the best understanding of these needs.”
He also stressed the effective use of local resources and volunteers, explaining, “We must utilise local resources and
volunteers effectively. They need pre-established logistical support to be effective. Local welfare needs should be
managed locally with external resource support when necessary.”
Reliable communication and situational awareness were also underscored by Manley, who said, “First responders require
reliable situational awareness through communication with trusted local leaders. Effective emergency coordination
requires robust two-way communication tools, such as Starlink, between emergency coordinators, local leaders, and
communities.”
By developing reliable alert systems, ensuring communities are well-prepared with plans and leadership, utilising local
resources and volunteers effectively, and establishing robust communication networks, we can build a more resilient and
responsive emergency management framework for New Zealand.
The key to achieving this goal this is the resourcing and empowerment of local communities and I urge government to have
this at the forefront of thinking in revising the CDEM Bill,” he concluded.