Civil Defence is not one agency coming to the rescue, but a coordinated multi-agency response to emergencies within our region. These agencies include the Emergency Services, Defence Force, local city and district councils, Horizons Regional Council, health boards, and lifeline agencies such as power, gas and telecommunications companies. This response is coordinated by the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MWCDEM) Group, which is managed by Horizons Regional Council's Emergency Manager.