A new plan is set to empower the Aotea / Great Barrier community to better prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board Emergency Readiness Plan, created with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) and the Aotea Emergency Response Team, offers practical guidance to help residents and businesses stay safe before, during, and after an emergency.
The plan responds to lessons learned from the devastating Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which highlighted the importance of local preparedness and community support during emergency events.
“Aotea’s Emergency Response Team encourages all our residents to read the readiness plan which offers guidance on how to prepare and respond to an emergency,” says Cushla Buchanan, Aotea Emergency Response Team local coordinator.
“As you know, tsunami warnings, wildfires, storm events and other natural disaster can strike at any time. The more prepared you and your family are, the more it will help you to stay safe, building on the community’s resilience.”
The plan identifies the island’s top hazards and provides tips on reducing risk, preparing for emergencies, and navigating the recovery process.
Developed through consultation with community groups, subject matter experts, and key agencies, the plan is designed to reflect the unique needs of the island.
Printed copies will be available at the Great Barrier Island Service Centre in Claris, while a digital version is accessible on the AEM website.
Auckland Emergency Management has also recently funded four new AEDs (defibrillators) which have been provided by Hato Hone St John and installed in the following locations:
- Kaitoke School (44-50 Kaitoke Lane, Kaitoke)
- Aotea Contractors (66B Gray Road, Claris)
- Okiwi Airfield (1370 Aotea Road, Okiwi)
- Glenfern Sanctuary (20 Glenfern Road, Port Fitzroy)
Once activated, AEDs give the user step-by-step instructions on how to use the device to increase someone’s chance of survival after a cardiac arrest, helping to keep their heart going until emergency services arrive.
Find out more information about what an AED is and how to use it on the Hato Hone St John website.
Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board adopting its Emergency Readiness Plan marks a milestone – now all 21 of Auckland’s local boards have plans in place. Plans for other parts of Auckland can also be found online at the Auckland Emergency Management website.
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