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There is a saying that it is better to be safe than sorry.
When the river through Te Kūiti is reaching peak levels, flood waters are entering houses, state highways and local roads are closing from slips cutting off Te Kūiti, and more rain is forecast with nightfall coming, it is time to call a local state of emergency.
I signed a declaration as Waitomo’s Mayor at 7.05pm last Saturday night for a state of local emergency, based on the advice and support from those trained in such situations, as well as my own judgment.
With that, began a long night for council staff and emergency support leaders from the region.
Support unfolded quickly. The Minister of Civil Defence rang to offer support. The area commander of police called and sent additional resources that evening. Regional civil defence expertise and leadership arrived. Council staff took on night shift duties.
An Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) was set up at the council.
Information on the status of our roads, on river levels, flood locations, forecasted weather, welfare needs, and accommodation options for evacuees was gathered.
We became a communications centre, an information resource for residents, and a guide to central government organisations like the Ministry of Social Development.
Over the three-day holiday weekend many of Waitomo’s residents and businesses faced disruption.
A few in Te Kūiti left their houses to return to see flood damage. Tourists were trapped at Waitomo Village, farmers and other residents cut off by slips.
The state of emergency was lifted at 9.37am on Monday, as we moved into a recovery phase. The EOC was wound down and completed its debrief.
I was enormously impressed by how this civil defence exercise was managed and led.
Personnel from Waipa, Otorohanga and Waitomo councils worked together, sharing resources.
For many Waitomo staff, a three-day holiday weekend turned into intensive work and long hours. Thank you.
And then there are those who worked through the nights on our roads to clear slips, our local emergency services, and MSD, who set up shop to help with welfare support.
All deserve to be applauded.
But, so does our wider community. Your goodwill was extraordinary.
Te Kuiti Paa opened its doors to the public. Whānau supported whānau. There was goodwill everywhere.
This is how communities work best. Thank you.
