Media Release

Residents in and around Ahipara now have a plan that will enable the community to respond to a major emergency and remain self-sufficient for at least three days afterward.

The civil defence emergency response plan has been coordinated by the Far North District Council with input from emergency services and the community, and was completed this month after several months’ work.

It is a simple, workable plan designed to save lives in the event of a serious incident requiring a civil defence and emergency management response, says Civil Defence coordinator Bill Hutchinson.

“Preparation is everything in terms of being able to withstand and recover from a natural disaster,” he said. “A severe tidal or weather-related event could devastate and isolate Ahipara from the rest of the Far North and we don’t want to wait until that happens to find out how we’d react and get through it.

“It’s far better to plan now, think about the emergencies most likely to threaten Ahipara, and then figure out a plan so that people know what to do if disaster strikes.

“The importance of pre-planning cannot be over-emphasised and it is not until we have a sudden event thrust upon us, such as the flooding events of last year, that we all understand how important these plans become.”

Ahipara’s emergency response plan covers from Waikarie in the south including Tauroa Point, north to Lone Pine, east to Okahu Road and west to the Herekino Gorge. It is the fourth Far North community to have a plan, after Kaitaia, Karikari Peninsula and Hihi.

In the event of an emergency, the community activates its own plan while other agencies respond by activating their own plans and coordinating their activities to manage the impact on the community.

“Tsunami and tide surge are foremost in the minds of Ahipara residents so it is important that in the event of a disaster, everyone is clear on where their safe areas are and how to get there,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“The information in the plan details these facts, along with key contacts who have been chosen by locals. They are the people best placed to identify the nuts and bolts of the plans for their own community.”

People wanting further information about the Ahipara plan or more information and assistance with emergency response planning in general can contact Mr Hutchinson on 0800 920 029.

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Page created/updated: 29 April, 2008

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