Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst, has welcomed the Government’s new roadmap to strengthen New Zealand’s emergency management system, calling it a practical plan that strengthens local communities to effectively respond, and provides them with the practical support to do so.
Announced by Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell yesterday, the roadmap sets out a five-year programme to deliver on the 14 recommendations from the inquiry into the North Island Severe Weather Events.
“New Zealand is facing more frequent and severe weather events, and we need to ensure our emergency management system is fit for purpose to manage significant, widespread emergencies like Cyclone Gabrielle,” said Minister Mitchell.
“The roadmap sets out the initiatives needed in the next five years to deliver the change we need.”
Mayor Hazlehurst (pictured) said the plan reflected hard lessons learned from Cyclone Gabrielle and confirmed the value of local leadership during times of crisis.
“This aligns with our submissions to the roadmap, particularly enabling local solutions led by trusted people on the ground, with funding support to help communities build resilience ahead of the next emergency,” Mrs Hazlehurst said.
“It gives us stronger tools, better-trained people, and a clear system of support that works across communities, agencies and government.”
The roadmap includes:
- Regional support teams ready to deploy where needed, boosting local emergency response;
- An increased national Resilience Fund to help communities prepare for and bounce back from emergencies;
- Stronger partnerships with iwi/Māori, businesses, and community organisations;
- Clearer roles and accountability, a better-trained workforce, and modernised warning systems and technology.
Mrs Hazlehurst said the plan aligns closely with what communities in Hawke’s Bay have already been doing to improve resilience and readiness.
“We’ve seen the difference that strong community networks and fast local action can make. This roadmap builds on that strength and gives us more confidence heading into the next storm season.”
“While we welcome this announcement we know significant funding will be needed to improve our emergency readiness, and we would like to see a greater range of funding opportunities – either directly to the community, or with Council acting as an intermediary – to give our community a stronger sense of control and confidence for resilience planning,” she said.
The Mayor said the Council was committed to being an active advocate to achieve sustainable resilience for the district’s communities.
