Waitaki Supports Cyclone Gabrielle Response

Published on 15 February 2023

Two members of the Waitaki District Council building team are expected to be redeployed to the North Island to undertake rapid building assessments (RBA’s) in support of the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has statutory obligations under the Building Act 2004 and the National CDEM (Civil Defence Emergency Management) Plan Order 2015 to support in emergencies as available.

A number of building team members from Waitaki District Council are trained and experienced in RBA response. The team have been in touch with MBIE and have attended an onboarding webinar in anticipation of hearing where they are required soon.

Senior Building Control Officer, Shane Napier said, “Our team has been in touch with MBIE and are prepared to provide assistance as required. The upper North Island needs support, and the team is ready to assist in any way we can.”

Waitaki Emergency Management Advisor, Ewen Graham has already provided support to Auckland Emergency Management in the coordination centre for a week in early February. While back in Waitaki currently, Ewen is on standby to return to the North Island.

“Just about every group is sending people to support in the response. This is on a rotating basis to keep all areas covered in the occurrence of another event across the country.” Said Ewen Graham.

Auckland was first hit by severe weather in late January and the Minister for Emergency Management declared a National State of Emergency at 8.43am, Tuesday 14 February in response to the wider impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Council has around 90 team members trained and prepared to move from their business-as-usual roles and into functions within the nationally recognised Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) framework.

Waitaki District Council Heritage, Environment and Regulatory Group Manager, Roger Cook is also a Controller within the CIMS structure for Waitaki and is prepared to provide any assistance as required.

“Waitaki District Council continues to train team members and assist in any emergency.” Said Roger Cook.

With many road works scheduled around the region, Waitaki District Council Roading Manager, Mike Harrison said, “While our contractors have not been required to be redeployed at this time, we are aware it could happen as the full impacts of the devastation are realised.”

With the most recent EOC event in Waitaki in July 2022 and Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough in August 2022, we are seeing an increase in severe weather events. It is recommended the community prepares now.

Ewen Graham said, “Have a grab bag ready and a household emergency plan. Remember power and WIFI can be down, a transistor radio or the radio in your car can help keep you informed. We also recommend signing up to Otago Gets Ready which is a free text and email service run by Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management.”

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