CDEM Group

Horizons facilitated the establishment of the CDEM Group in accordance with the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act 2002.

As a member of the group our responsibilities include evaluating warning systems, implementing Civil Defence controllers' courses and operating as the Group Emergency Operation Centre. More information on the roles and responsibilities of Horizons and other agencies can be found in the CDEM Group Plan.

The members of our CDEM group include:

• Horizons Regional Council;
• Our region’s city and district councils: Horowhenua, Tararua, Palmerston North, Manawatū, Rangītikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu;
• Fire and rural fire services;
• Police;
• Ambulance;
• District health boards;
• Public Health; and
• Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

The CDEM Group is supported by a Coordinating Executive Group (CEG), which meets approximately every six weeks to plan the work of the CDEM Group. This group is made up of senior staff from local authorities, emergency services and the district health board.

See the organisation chart explaining the relationships of the CDEM Group Committee, CEG and Emergency Management Office (EMO).

What makes the Manawatū-Whanganui Region so susceptible?

Geologically the region's most notable features are a series of north-south trending faults, reflecting the stresses on the earth's crust caused by the tectonic plate boundary located to the east of New Zealand. Hills and ranges across the Region have an impact on the region's climate.