Centre for Civil Defence response in northern Waikato

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

Northern Waikato now has an emergency centre to help with wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council joined forces to operate a North Waikato Combined Emergency Operations Centre.

Staffers are already helping with community welfare needs, identifying at-risk people, and working with government agencies and local support agencies, a statement said.

"The creation of these combined centres is one way we can fine-tune our response to ensure that most resources can be directed to those who are vulnerable and in need, as efficiently as possible," said Merv Balloch, one of four shift controllers.

"Between the two councils we are sharing operations, logistics, communication, intelligence and planning functions, as well as setting up separate welfare teams for each Council area ... There's a lot to be done, but the combined approach is another step on the way to getting through this difficult time."