Hon Kris Faafoi
Minister of Civil Defence
20 August 2018
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Accessible communications needed to protect communities in emergencies
Helping communities prepare and respond to emergencies by ensuring they are well-informed and ready has never been more
important, Minister of Civil Defence Hon Kris Faafoi says.
Mr Faafoi today addressed emergency communications practitioners at the Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA)
conference in Wellington, on the theme of making emergency information accessible for everyone.
“When emergencies happen, information is critical to keeping people safe and informed while giving them confidence in
the response. It is a vital and challenging discipline that demands clear messaging, swift information flow across
multiple channels, and access to a diverse range of audiences.”
Mr Faafoi says the growing focus on accessibility from emergency communications practitioners is vital.
“Everyone has a right to access emergency information, and some trailblazing work is happening around the country to
overcome language, cultural and disability barriers. This is work I want to see continue, and to be shared, expanded and
developed until we truly are world-leading in ensuring all our communities are able to access these important
communications and to fully participate in emergency planning, preparedness and recovery.”
Examples of initiatives underway include Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office and Christchurch City Council
(together with Plains 96.5FM) translating emergency information into multiple languages, and the Ministry of Civil
Defence & Emergency Management signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Deaf Aotearoa.
Mr Faafoi says while modern communications channels such as social media and Emergency Mobile Alerts sent to mobile
phones are valuable means to get information out quickly, traditional media remains important.
“More than 60 percent of New Zealanders turn to radio in an emergency, which makes it our number one emergency
information channel. And television also remains a valuable way to keep the public informed, especially given that it is
a visual medium with the ability to show captions and New Zealand Sign Language translators.”
Mr Faafoi says some of the most important emergency communications happens outside of emergencies.
“Emergency preparedness education during ‘peacetime’ remains one of the most effective ways of building resilience in
our communities. As our nation grows, so does our exposure to hazards, and the more people know about what risks they
face and how to prepare, the more resilient we are as a nation.”
ends