Q&A

Sharon Stewart HOWICK WARD COUNCILLOR AND CHAIR CDEM COMMITTEE

Howick Ward councillor, Sharon Stewart has been involved in local body politics for 23 years, initially with the former Manukau City Council and then on Auckland City Council since 2010 where she is chair of Council’s Civil Defence Emergency Management Committee. The committee’s role is to provide direction and leadership across the CDEM sector and to oversee coordinated civil defence arrangements across the Auckland region in the event of civil disorder or a natural disaster. Several natural disasters have rocked NZ over the past decade from the Christchurch earthquakes to recent flooding incidents, and a tornado in Auckland so, EastLife asked Sharon how the city would cope in an Auckland-wide civil defence emergency.

Sharon Stewart.

How did you become Chair of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee? Did you have a previous interest in civil defence?

The Mayor makes decisions regarding the council’s committee structure and who chairs each committee. Eight years ago, I expressed my interest and experience in civil defence to the then Mayor and was pleased that he supported me in taking on the role. I have been interested in civil defence and search and rescue for a long time and was involved in organising New Zealand’s first international search and rescue deployment to help in Taiwan after an extreme earthquake in September, 1999.

More than 2400 people lost their lives, and over 11,000 were injured. Howick has a large Taiwanese community, and I reached out to see how NZ could help. There was no budget or plan to send a team overseas, but I spoke with several Taiwanese businesspeople who generously provided the funding. Having had the hands-on experience in such seriously quakeaffected areas, the team returned with a lot of new knowledge and skill which they passed on to others in the search and rescue sector.

What is the role of the CDEM Committee?

The committee is a legislative requirement under the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act 2002 and is the strategic forum for civil defence and emergency management planning and policy. When an emergency happens, the Mayor is authorised to declare a state of emergency. In his absence, the Deputy Mayor, chair, or members of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee are empowered to do so.

Do you liaise with the Ministry of Civil Defence?

Absolutely. Our Auckland CDEM Group Plan (2016-2021) is our vision and goal for emergency management in Auckland and was developed to align with the Ministry’s vision to ensure we are working towards a common national goal. We also have a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) (formerly the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management) representative as an observer at our CDEM committee meetings.

Does the Army have a role in emergency management?

The New Zealand Defence Force has a very important role. It provides support and assistance by supplying resources and equipment during civil defence emergencies. Auckland CDEM co-ordinates emergency responses in Auckland and liaises with key partners such as the NZ Defence Force as required.

Auckland is on an isthmus, surrounded by water. How likely is it that we would experience a tsunami? What advice is given?

Auckland’s coastline is vulnerable to inundation from flooding and tsunami, particularly in low lying areas. We are, however, somewhat sheltered by large land masses such as Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula which could reduce the force of a wave. Aucklanders can have a look at the Auckland Council Hazard Viewer online to see if their home is in a tsunami evacuation zone, or at risk of flooding or coastal inundation.

In the event of a tsunami, those near the coast should immediately go to high ground or as far inland as possible. Do not go to the shore to watch! Take pets and an emergency getaway bag if you can. Emergency response agencies will send out warnings and with updated emergency information being broadcast by radio.

What about the likelihood of other natural disasters such as an earthquake or a volcano, given that Auckland is home to some 60+ volcanic sites?

The Auckland Volcanic Field has a low probability of eruption. Our alert level is currently at O, ‘No Volcanic Unrest’, and experts believe we’re unlikely to see a volcanic eruption in our lifetime. The National Geohazards Monitoring Centre is continuously monitoring for earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic activity throughout New Zealand.

“I have been interested in civil defence and search and rescue for a long time and was involved in organising New Zealand’s first international search and rescue deployment, to help in Taiwan after an extreme earthquake in September, 1999. More than 2400 people lost their lives, and over 11,000 were injured. Howick has a large Taiwanese community, and I reached out to see how New Zealand could help”.

In June, Papatoetoe was hit by a fierce tornado which took one life and caused severe property damage. What role did civil defence play?

Auckland Emergency Management played an important part in the response to the tornado and ongoing recovery, working with emergency services Auckland Council and other partners to co-ordinate an effective response to community needs.

This included arranging emergency accommodation, assessing buildings, providing residents with tarpaulins to secure their properties, and removing green waste and storm debris. A Civil Defence Welfare Centre operated from the Otara Pool and Leisure Centre, and later the Allan Brewster Leisure Centre and Papatoetoe Library, to provide support to those affected by the tornado. Financial support was made available through the Mayoral Relief Fund and through the Ministry of Social Development. We moved into the recovery phase on July 1, but support continues to be available to those affected. People needing help can contact Auckland Council and Auckland Emergency Management on 09 301 0101.

How important is it for Aucklanders to be familiar with civil defence procedures, and be prepared? Is it necessary for every household to have an emergency kit?

As we’ve seen with the Papatoetoe tornado, emergencies can happen without warning. It is so important for families and households to familiarise themselves with what to do in such events. Have a plan for your household and the specific needs of your family, and make sure you’re prepared.

If anyone in the home is reliant on power for medical needs, talk with your GP who will help you plan for such an event. The more information the public has on what to do in these situations, the more resilient our communities will be.

We have some fantastic tools available to help educate families and communities and ensure they are prepared. Be sure to look on the Auckland Emergency Management website. Here’s a list of the basics every household should put aside:

• At least a 3-day supply of water (at least 3 litres per person, per day) • Torch and radio with spare batteries • Wind and waterproof clothing, strong outdoor shoes, sun hats • First aid kit and essential medication • Blankets or sleeping bags • Pet supplies • Toilet paper and large rubbish bags • Face and dust masks • Non-perishable food (including food/formula for babies and young children) • Can opener • Gas barbecue

Most households will already have many of these items, so you don’t need to go out and buy a special emergency kit! However, it’s important to know where everything is – you may need to evacuate in a hurry. A car charger for your phone is also a good idea, and if you don’t have a portable radio, listen to the radio in your car.

If you could be Minister of Civil Defence for a day, what would you do?

I would love to meet with civil defence teams around the country and hear how they are educating their communities to improve resilience and ensure they are prepared for an emergency.

I know there is some really amazing work being done by the sector all over New Zealand. It would also be fascinating to learn more about emergency management approaches internationally.

If you could ask any three people (living or dead) for dinner, who would they be and why?

I would invite Queen Elizabeth II, who I greatly admire and who has lived through many significant times and events.

Also the late Sir Dove Myer Robison (a former Auckland mayor) as I would love the opportunity to discuss his vision for Auckland and, finally, Richie McCaw; I really admire has mental toughness, and I’m a big All Blacks fan!