Regional Hazards

In 2016 the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group as part of its review of the Group Plan carried out a risk analysis to identify the hazards for the region.

In order to refine the results of the risk analysis the hazards ranked high, very high and extreme, of which there were 18, were then taken through a more in-depth risk evaluation process. The risk related to each of theses hazards was evaluated in terms of seriousness, manageability, and growth.

The top 10 hazards for our region are:

1. Severe Earthquake 
2. River Flood 
3. Tsunami 
4. Human Pandemic 
5. Drought 
6. Animal Epidemic (Foot & Mouth) 
7. Landslide - Widespread hill country 
8. Volcanic Activity (Ruapehu) 
9. Landslide - Manawatū Gorge 
10. Rural Fire (Wildfire) 

Summaries of our Region’s hazards can also be found in the CDEM Group Plan.
It is important to note that the prioritised list of hazards is based upon the risk to the region as a whole, and that there will be some variances for each territorial authority. To this end, the analysis and evaluation process will need to be undertaken at the local level for that particular territorial authority.
 

GET READY at home

Disasters can strike at any time and often without warning. We can't prevent disasters but we can take some simple steps to ensure we'll be able to cope. There are four basic steps to readiness:

• Learn about disasters and how to keep safe;
• Create and practice a household emergency plan;
• Assemble and maintain emergency survival items; and
• Have a getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry.

For everything you need to get ready visit getthru.govt.nz or contact your local Emergency Management Officer by calling free phone 0508 800 800. The EQC website also has useful information regarding preparing your home for a natural disaster. 
 

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).