10. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National—West Coast - Tasman) Link to this
to the Minister of Civil Defence
What steps is the Government taking to ensure that the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management responds effectively to civil defence emergencies?
Hon JOHN CARTER (Minister of Civil Defence) Link to this
The Government is committed to ensuring that New Zealand has in place the best possible civil defence and emergency management systems and support. Although overall the responses to the recent tsunami alerts were excellent, particularly on a regional level, there were some issues with communication. As a consequence I have today announced the terms of reference for an independent review of the civil defence response to the 30 September tsunami alert. The review will run alongside the ministry’s own comprehensive review of its operational response, and will primarily focus on how public information was managed. The review will be led by Dr Simon Murdoch, a former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and is expected to be reported back by the end of this month.
I have had a wide range of positive reports regarding civil defence responses in the regions. One example was an email from Taupō Bay residents passing on a “well done” for the organised and professional way that the residents of the bay had been evacuated by local civil defence. It is also worth acknowledging the excellent work done by local civil defence groups in less high-profile events, such as during the Napier siege and during the recent central North Island snowstorms.
Carmel SepuloniWhen will the Government deploy the deep-sea buoys that the United States has already invested in, and Australia is about to, that are essential for detecting and measuring tsunamis at an early stage to ensure that civil defence can provide the public with accurate and reliable warnings?
The whole issue of warnings and alerts is part of a constant, ongoing review that the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and its director do. It is part of the ongoing development that has progressed over recent years, under both the previous administration and, certainly, this one.
What other steps are being taken to ensure that New Zealand is prepared for civil defence emergencies?
As important as it is to ensure that the Minister of Civil Defence responds effectively to disasters, the most critical thing to ensure community resilience is for people to be prepared themselves. The best example of this is Abby Wutzler, the 10-year-old girl who saved the lives of her family and others during the Samoa tsunami, after learning at school of the warning signs through the ministry’s “What’s the Plan Stan?” teaching resource. In light of this, it is Disaster Awareness Week this week, and people should take note of the key message “Get Ready Get Thru”. Being prepared for a disaster is simple: plan what one will do in an emergency and set aside some basic supplies of food, water, medicines, and other necessary items. I draw the House’s attention to this kit I am holding, which is to be taken to the supermarket. On it is a recipe for being prepared; it has all the ingredients that are needed in case of a disaster. I recommend it to every member of this House and to the public of New Zealand.