Kōrero flowed about all things emergency management at a community forum in Tāmaki Makaurau on 29 March.
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) hosted Auckland’s first Community Civil Defence Emergency Management Forum at Te Manawa Community Hub, Westgate. In attendance were iwi and marae, community groups and emergency service partners including NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ), Hato Hone St John, Neighbourhood Support NZ, Citizens Advice Bureau, New Zealand Response Teams, NZ Red Cross and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The forum was also attended by Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell and Councillor Sharon Stewart, chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee.
“It was pleasing to see a range of different groups represented at the forum, where attendees made new connections and engaged in robust discussion about emergency readiness,” says Councillor Stewart.
“Having these discussions and regularly connecting is essential for enhancing emergency readiness in Tāmaki Makaurau, from grass roots community organisations to official response agencies.”
Dr Angela Doherty, AEM’s Principal Science Advisor, talks at the forum.
Dr Angela Doherty, AEM’s Principal Science Advisor, facilitated a session on “Understanding hazards – community perspectives”. Dr Doherty emphasised that preparation is key no matter what the hazard or emergency Aucklanders may face and educating Aucklanders about risks is essential to give people the information they need to make informed choices about preparing for emergencies.
FENZ representatives spoke about fire seasons and why it is important to go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting outdoor fires. Attendees also heard from the Ministry for Primary Industries about biosecurity responses including the recent response to oriental fruit fly in Birkdale – a pest that could negatively affect New Zealand’s agricultural export sector.
This session allowed people from a range of community organisations and networks to highlight their neighbourhood emergency readiness planning. Speakers who began the session and people engaged in the discussion that followed represented resilience networks, churches and faith centres, marae, schools, advisory and advocacy groups, neighbourhood groups and Auckland Council advisory panels.
Greg Morgan, AEM’s Principal for Business and Partnerships.
Adam Maggs, General Manager for AEM says the forum was a success.
“This year’s inaugural Community Civil Defence Emergency Management forum was an essential event in Auckland Emergency Management’s calendar this year. It brought emergency management groups together to connect, share ideas, and ultimately enhance emergency readiness for both frontline organisations and the wider community.
“A big thank you to everyone who attended the forum. This was only possible because multiple groups stepped up to share their unique experiences and knowledge.
“Just as importantly, they were willing to listen to others and will be taking what they learnt to refine their emergency management plans and practices.”
