Grey Power welcomes fresh government plans to overhaul New Zealand’s emergency management system.
The Hon. Mark Mitchell (Minister for Emergency Management), recently outlined a long-term vision for strengthening disaster resilience and emergency management.
A document, which builds on the 14 recommendations made in a damning inquiry into last year’s deadly weather events, includes a promise to deliver a series of actions over the next five years.
Among multiple reports, the North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE) Inquiry, found the country wasn’t ready to respond to large-scale emergencies. In some places the system had failed completely.
Public warnings and communication were found to be non-existent or insufficient, and the capability and capacity of civil defence staff and infrastructure were overestimated or lacking.
The 14 NISWE inquiry recommendations include creating a warning system for natural disasters, building up the capability and capacity of civil defence staff, and including iwi Māori, businesses and locals in disaster planning.
National Grey Power president Gayle Chambers says, “it [the document] recognises that the current emergency management system is not fit for purpose for large weather events which impact multiple regions all at once such as the recent North Island severe storm and flooding damage.”
“The senior community is particularly vulnerable in such situations, with many at high risk and in need of prompt and effective emergency assistance early in the emergency.
“It is important that this vulnerability is recognised.
“With the Government now intending to address the issue of deficiencies in the national system, Grey Power would appreciate the plight of seniors being a key focus point of the review.”
However, Mark Mitchell admits that sustainable change will take time.
“I am under no illusion this will be a quick fix. The emergency management system is inherently complex.
“Early next year, I will publish a public road map, giving clear direction and timelines for the next phase of this work so you can hold us to account for delivery.”
Grey Power will maintain a watchful brief and keenly awaits the release of the public road map.
Key areas of reform include:
- Give effect to a whole-of-society approach to New Zealand’s emergency management.
- Support and enable local government to deliver a consistent minimum standard of emergency management across New Zealand.
- Professionalise and build the capability and capacity of the emergency management workforce.
- Enable the different parts of the system to work better together.
- Drive a strategic focus on implementation and investment to ensure delivery.
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