The first ever Wairarapa Emergency Management Annual Assessment in October this year reveals
that residents living in the region are more prepared than ever for an unexpected crisis.

“After Cyclone Gabrielle and other events, our communities (and our own) expectations of our
ability to respond to and resource emergency events are higher than ever but we are on a journey
with this work. We need to continue to build it into our day to day planning, resourcing and
operations,” says Paul Gardner, Group Manager Corporate Services for South Wairarapa District
Council (SWDC).

An After-Action Review of Cyclone Gabrielle in June 2023 assessed the performance of the
Wairarapa councils, commending their support for isolated communities and successful evacuation
efforts. The review also identified areas for improvement, including greater coordination and more
robust recovery planning.

In response to this, the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) introduced a
Continuous Improvement function in late 2023 to strengthen regional emergency management
efforts. With the help of this function, a self assessment was done by the three Wairarapa councils.

The Emergency Management Annual Assessment reviewed the Wairarapa’s capability at a Basic
level. This self assessment took a cautious view of current capabilities and was mindful of the
impacts of recent weather events and heightened public expectations.

“We have put huge efforts into aligning staff roles with the functions of an emergency operations
centre, community emergency hubs and work with the community has increased significantly.
Through concerted efforts of council officers and, in the community, with maraes and Community
Boards, we are in a better place now than ever but we have to keep building on it,” says Gardner.

Staff from all three Wairarapa councils worked with Greater Wellington Regional Council this month
in Exercise Rū Whenua a Rohe, a training event that simulated an earthquake response.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our emergency management capability and this process
helps to focus our efforts to improve how we prepare for, respond to and recover from
emergencies,” says Nigel Carter, SWDC Lead Advisor, Health, Safety & Emergency Management.

This work includes:

• Training council staff to support and communicate clearly with the community in
  emergencies;
• Informing the community about the existence and location of Community Emergency Hubs,
  Emergency Assistance Centres and the importance of supporting neighbours and families;
• Encouraging communities to prepare for potential crises by creating household plans,
  stocking up on water, food, warm clothing and blankets.
  
  “A real highlight from the community preparedness section of the review showed that respondents
  see social connectedness and cohesion as the most important aspect of being prepared. It also
  showed that more than half of the respondents know where their Community Emergency Hub is,”
  says Nigel Carter.
  
  The Wairarapa Emergency Management Controller, Simon Taylor, says the review highlights
  community strengths, such as high levels of preparedness in some areas, as well as challenges such
  as limited household water storage and emergency planning. The self assessment underscored the
  need to refine systems and processes.
  
  “The severe weather events of the previous couple of years have highlighted the need to be
  prepared for emergency situations and we want to take all opportunities to improve how we can
  look after the community and to help the community look after itself when extreme events occur,”
  says Carter.
  
  The three Wairarapa district councils remain committed to working collaboratively with tāngata
  whenua, regional councils and community partners to support wellbeing across social, cultural,
  environmental and economic dimensions. By aligning efforts with Greater Wellington and other
  stakeholders, the councils aim to strengthen resilience across the Wairarapa and Wellington regions,
  ensuring a coordinated approach to emergency preparedness and response.