National State of Emergency
Regional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.
14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to Cyclone Gabrielle.
While many regions have already declared a local state of emergency, a National State of Emergency gives the National Controller legal authority to apply resources across the country in support of a national level response.
Here's what you need to know:
- Heavy rain red warnings are in place for Northland and Hawke's Bay, with red strong wind warnings also for Northland, Coromandel and Taranaki. Check all weather warnings on the MetService website.
- States of emergency have been declared in Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Ōpōtiki, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato District, Hauraki District, Whakatāne District, Bay of Plenty, Napier and Hastings.
- There has been a landslide in Murawai with one firefighter missing.
- Gisborne is feared cut off and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Residents are to take note of the Welfare Centres for Gisborne and Coromandel.
- A number of road closures are in place across the North Island. View these on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website.
- Fire and Emergency is urging people to only call 111 if life or safety is at risk after a surge in calls.
- In Auckland there are 27 shelters and civil defence centres where people can go in an emergency.
Stuff are posting live updates and have shared what you need in your 3-day emergency kit. Stay up to date with Civil Defence updates and track the storm here.
2pm Update for Hawke's Bay:
Multiple evacuations needed in Puketapu, Esk Valley, Rissington, Omahu, Waiohiki, Jervoistown and Meeanee and Waipawa.
Many remain trapped in cars and houses. Several bridges have been taken out with access between Hastings and Napier now cutoff. More than 20,000 people are without power and cellphone communication in and out of the region is patchy.
Omahu residents needing shelter can go to Hastings Sports' Centre. Taradale residents can head to St Joseph's Māori Girls' School.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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81.9% Yes
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15.3% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Have you heard of Community Comms Collective?
Who are they and what do they do?
Well, to answer that question and others you may want to listen to Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM on Sunday December 1st 2024, to hear Gemma share information about all that the Collective can offer Not for Profit – For Purpose Organisations.
But here are a few questions and answers to other information you may wish to be informed about to support your organisation.
Who are they? They are communications people volunteering their time to help community organisations with a communications boost. Their services are free, and they are 100 percent volunteer run, from the matchmaking and workshop presenters, through to the communications experts who they match you with.
What do they do? They are a matchmaking service which involves learning what kind of communications support your community organisation might need, then matching you with one of the collective of volunteers who has the right skills for that particular job.
Who do they work with? We at Volunteering New Plymouth have had the privilege of having utilised the services of the wonderful Gemma, who recently completed an assessment on our website. Bringing our attention to a number of modifications that will enhance our visibility and useability going forward.
Others who have benefitted from the services of the collective in a variety of ways are Volunteering Auckland, Wellington Access Radio, Pregnancy Help Inc, Neighbourhood Support New Zealand, Hospice New Zealand, KIDZ NEED DADZ, CAB - Citizens Advice Bureau, Cancer Society, Age Concern New Zealand to name a few organisations that you may recognise.
Where are they operating? This is a nationwide service and they welcome requests from all over Aotearoa. They also run workshops on communications topics, usually in person in Wellington, but can record these for the benefit of those around the regions. Their website is packed to the brim with resources across related topics such as media relations, branding, and social media. This is also where they have amazing templates and information on how to improve your communications. So, no matter where you are in the country, you can seek their support.
Where can you learn more? If you are interested in learning more about Community Comms Collective, visit communitycomms.org.nz and listen to Access Radio on 1st December. This show is also available to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast - to find these go the either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about what is involved and / or how you can get involved then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz. to take the next step.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
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