Volunteers and staff from official agencies were put through their paces over the weekend on Auckland’s west coast in a severe weather emergency exercise – Operation Waitākere.
Led by Auckland Emergency Management the exercise played out at Whatipū, Huia and Kakamatua across two days on the last weekend of June, involving approximately 130 participants.
Participants included all three Auckland volunteer New Zealand Response Teams (NZRTs), a Bay of Plenty NZRT, Fire and Emergency NZ, NZ Police including Eagle Helicopter, Amateur Radio Emergency Communications, Hato Hone St John, Surf Lifesaving, Auckland Transport Harbourmaster, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
A stretcher rescue during the exercise.
Adam Maggs, General Manager of Auckland Emergency management says he was extremely pleased with the effort every person involved put into the two-day exercise.
“Operation Waitākere was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with our agency partners, test procedures, and practice response arrangements in a safe and controlled environment.
“I’d like to thank every person involved for bringing their unique skills sets, experiences and enthusiasm over the two days. Without you all, Operation Waitākere would not have been possible,” Mr Maggs says.
Auckland Emergency Management vehicles pictured during Operation Waitākere.
The exercise scenario revolved around a severe thunderstorm that brought heavy rain and high winds to the Auckland west coast location, causing widespread flooding, storm damage and landslips.
In response Auckland-based and other response teams participated alongside partner emergency services agencies, as Mr Maggs explains.
“Participants were put through their paces simulating technical rescue operations that involved risk, including a boat evacuation of victims, a search and rescue operation, a rope rescue and helicopter deployments.”
“Recent severe weather events in the Auckland region have impacted and caused significant disruption. This highlights the need for exercises like Operation Waitākere.
“Following Operation Waitākere we will assess, in collaboration with our agency partners, what worked well and areas for improvement, to enhance our emergency preparedness and response capabilities for future real-life emergency events.”
Volunteers acting as storm victims participating in the exercise.
About Auckland Emergency Management:
Auckland Emergency Management leads the region’s emergency planning, coordination, and response efforts. Through partnerships with local communities and emergency services, AEM works to ensure Auckland is prepared for, and resilient to, a wide range of hazards.
