Carterton District Council’s [CDC] Risk and Assurance Committee will be asked to endorse changes to its Civil Defence Emergency Management Risk Register [CDEM] at its meeting on Wednesday [13 November].
A paper before the Committee will advocate for an update to the Council’s Register to support stronger community resilience against disasters, including major earthquakes and severe weather events. This endorsement follows key findings from several recent reviews. In April 2023, a regional CDEM review highlighted the growing need to address public expectations, and the risks posed by fast-moving and complex events, often linked to climate change. Major earthquake risks, including a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake in the next 50 years, underscore the importance of emergency preparedness. This week, organisations across the region came together in a training exercise, Exercise Rū Whenua, to simulate the response to such a quake. Visit the WREMO website for more information.
The After-Action Review of Cyclone Gabrielle, conducted in June 2023, evaluated the performance of Wairarapa councils and commended their support for isolated communities and effective evacuation efforts. However, areas for improvement were identified, such as a more coordinated response and enhanced recovery planning. Recognising these findings, the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office [WREMO] launched a Continuous Improvement function in late 2023. In October, the first Emergency Management system assessment rated the Wairarapa region’s capability at a “Basic” level.
The self-assessment review by Wairarapa councils took a cautious view of current capability recognising the significant and long-lasting impacts of recent weather events, and acknowledging higher public expectations. The review highlighted community strengths, including high preparedness levels in some areas, but also underscored weaknesses, such as limited water storage and emergency planning in households. CDC’s updated Risk Register now includes mitigations aimed at increasing readiness and capability.
These updates align with the “four R’s” of risk management—reduction, readiness, response, and recovery—and emphasise new partnerships, including with the Wairarapa Engineering Lifelines Association [WELA].
The Council’s new Crisis Management Plan will integrate clear response procedures and engage staff in regular training.
Through the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan, Wellington Region Councils, including CDC, have committed to funding WREMO initiatives that build long-term resilience.
These initiatives include workforce strategies, enhanced emergency communication tools, and the development of a Common Operating Picture for real-time decision-making. The Council is committed to working with tāngata whenua, maintaining strong partnerships, and supporting community wellbeing across social, cultural, environmental, and economic areas.
Elected representatives will meet at 9.30am on Wednesday at the Carterton Events Centre to discuss the recommendation.