19 April, 2005
Budget 2005
Extra funding to help NZ prepare for the worst
The Government is to build on heightened awareness of New Zealand's vulnerability to natural and other disasters by
providing $21.5 million in extra funding for civil defence in the coming Budget, including money to fund a major public
education campaign.
“The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Asia and the recent floods around New Zealand have made people more aware of
the potential for disaster, but there is still a worrying complacency about the need to be prepared," said Civil Defence
Minister, George Hawkins.
An extra $15.4 million will be spent on increasing Civil Defence's emergency management capability over the next five
years.
The new funding will enable the Ministry to continue development of a hazard based civil defence emergency management
environment, increase its capacity to engage with local government and community groups and reinforce its capability to
manage large scale events.
"The new provisions will enable the Ministry to increase its permanent staffing from 26 to 46 over the next two years
and improve its capability to support regions in a crisis and to manage a national level event," said Mr Hawkins.
“Both the February 2004 Flood Review report and the 2004 State Services Commission report identified areas for improving
organisational arrangements for civil defence."
In addition the Government will provide $6.1 funding for national public education programmes for the first four years,
to increase awareness and preparedness amongst individuals and communities.
“We cannot overstress the need for everyone in New Zealand to understand the likely impact of our hazards on people,
homes and livelihoods. By planning for disasters, and taking some simple steps to be prepared, we can reduce their
impact," Mr Hawkins said.
“When communities are better prepared, there can be a significant reduction in deaths, injuries and property losses, and
in the time taken to recover from disasters."
Mr Hawkins said that the reality is that immediately after a major event the demand on all agencies will be overwhelming
and help may not get to everyone as soon as they need it.
"This is when communities are the most vulnerable and why it is important for people to understand the need to take
action to be prepared."
ENDS