A civil defence controller in the Ruapehu district is calling for more resources to help local communities manage
emergencies for as long as they need to.
Ruapehu District Council chief executive Clive Manley says locals are first responders and must be fully enabled to cope
in an emergency until outside help can arrive.
“Communities are the first level of response during emergencies, and it is vital they are funded and equipped to respond
quickly, safely and effectively.”
The call comes following the Government decision this month not to proceed with the emergency management Bill in its
current form.
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has announced he will introduce a new Bill this term.
Manley said the revised Bill should have a strong focus on empowering local communities to improve local and regional
resilience.
Key to this was developing reliable alert systems, ensuring communities are well-prepared with plans and leadership,
using local resources and volunteers effectively, and establishing strong communication networks.
Manley has more than 30 years of experience as a controller in civil defence and other emergency responses.
“A reliable national framework for an alerting and information system is essential,” Manley said.
“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.”
Communities also needed to have action plans in place that respond to known threats, and it was vital to have community
leaders who could communicate and manage resources.
“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.
“Identifying and supporting vulnerable members is also critical. Local welfare needs should be managed locally with
external resource support when necessary.
“As demonstrated during the COVID-19 response, local iwi often have the best understanding of these needs.
“We must utilise local resources and volunteers effectively. They need pre-established logistical support to be
effective.”
Manley urged the Government to have these needs in mind when revising the emergency management Bill.
In documents relating to the Government’s decision not to proceed with the Bill, Mitchell said the Emergency Management
Bill was intended to replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 to improve readiness and response, and to
recognise the role of Māori in emergency management.
The Minister said recent emergency events had made it clear that a more fundamental review of emergency management
policy and legislation was needed to address risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery.