HawkeS Bay Bolsters Emergency Preparedness with Extensive Training Initiative
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand is significantly enhancing its emergency response capabilities through an extensive training program for council staff, partner agencies, and volunteers. The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defense Emergency Management Group (HBCDEM) Joint Committee is spearheading the effort, marking significant progress in preparing the region for future emergencies.
Record Number of Personnel Trained in Emergency Response
Driven by a new Conversion Strategy, the HBCDEM has trained more staff than ever before to coordinate emergency responses. This initiative aims to ensure that all Hawke’s Bay councils have skilled personnel capable of managing emergencies for extended periods.
Regional councillor Hinewai Ormsby, chairwoman of the HBCDEM Joint committee, emphasized the importance of this training, noting a “substantial increase” in the number of council and partner agency staff receiving emergency management training.
Volunteerism Thriving: Locals Step Up to Serve
The training extends beyond council employees. Volunteers like Yvonne lorkin, a Hastings resident, are playing a crucial role. Lorkin, an HB Civil Defence volunteer, has acquired diverse skills, including managing crowd control, conducting ground-level rescues, operating four-wheel-drive vehicles, and recovering vehicles from rivers.
“As a person in midlife, I’m so grateful to have the chance to learn new skills,” Lorkin said. “I feel privileged to be part of Civil Defence.”
Inspired by the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, Lorkin sought to contribute to her community’s resilience.She passed a rigorous recruiting course that assessed her problem-solving abilities and joined the response team, one of three teams including communications and welfare.
Significant Investment in Training and Resources
The HBCDEM’s commitment is backed by a significant financial investment. Acting Group Manager Shane Briggs announced an additional $160,000 investment in training between March and June of this year,partnering with a national training provider.
This investment supports over 90 training courses, benefiting more than 1,000 participants from councils and partner agencies between March 2024 and June 2025. Volunteers are equipped with essential gear and encouraged to keep a survival bag readily available.
Community Resilience Efforts Expand
Beyond individual training,the HBCDEM is focused on strengthening community-level preparedness. Twenty-seven Community Emergency Hubs are already established, with an additional 65 in development. Moreover, staff have collaborated with six communities to develop Community Resilience Plans, with another 20 in progress.
Upcoming Emergency Management Exercises
Looking ahead, the HBCDEM plans to conduct 10 local emergency management exercises across Hawke’s Bay in the latter half of 2025. these exercises will culminate in a major combined exercise involving all levels of the HBCDEM system, ensuring that the region is well-prepared.
“Conducting a range of emergency management exercises will help ensure we are as ready as we can be for future events,” Ormsby stated.
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HawkeS Bay Bolsters Emergency Preparedness with Extensive Training initiative
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand is considerably enhancing its emergency response capabilities through an extensive training program for council staff, partner agencies, and volunteers. The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (HBCDEM) Joint Committee is spearheading the effort, marking notable progress in preparing the region for future emergencies.
record Number of Personnel Trained in Emergency Response
driven by a new Conversion Strategy, the HBCDEM has trained more staff than ever before to coordinate emergency responses. This initiative aims to ensure that all Hawke’s Bay councils have skilled personnel capable of managing emergencies for extended periods.
Regional councillor Hinewai Ormsby, chairwoman of the HBCDEM Joint committee, emphasized the importance of this training, noting a “substantial increase” in the number of council and partner agency staff receiving emergency management training.
Volunteerism Thriving: Locals Step Up to Serve
The training extends beyond council employees. Volunteers like Yvonne lorkin, a Hastings resident, are playing a crucial role. Lorkin, an HB civil Defence volunteer, has acquired diverse skills, including managing crowd control, conducting ground-level rescues, operating four-wheel-drive vehicles, and recovering vehicles from rivers.
“As a person in midlife, I’m so grateful to have the chance to learn new skills,” Lorkin said.”I feel privileged to be part of Civil Defence.”
Inspired by the impact of cyclone Gabrielle, Lorkin sought to contribute to her community’s resilience.She passed a rigorous recruiting course that assessed her problem-solving abilities and joined the response team, one of three teams including communications and welfare.
Significant Investment in Training and Resources
The HBCDEM’s commitment is backed by a significant financial investment. Acting Group manager Shane Briggs announced an additional $160,000 investment in training between March and June of this year,partnering with a national training provider.
This investment supports over 90 training courses, benefiting more than 1,000 participants from councils and partner agencies between March 2024 and June 2025.Volunteers are equipped with essential gear and encouraged to keep a survival bag readily available.
Community Resilience Efforts Expand
Beyond individual training,the HBCDEM is focused on strengthening community-level preparedness. Twenty-seven Community Emergency Hubs are already established, with an additional 65 in growth. Moreover, staff have collaborated with six communities to develop Community Resilience Plans, with another 20 in progress.
Upcoming Emergency Management Exercises
Looking ahead, the HBCDEM plans to conduct 10 local emergency management exercises across Hawke’s Bay in the latter half of 2025. these exercises will culminate in a major combined exercise involving all levels of the HBCDEM system, ensuring that the region is well-prepared.
“Conducting a range of emergency management exercises will help ensure we are as ready as we can be for future events,” Ormsby stated.
Hawke’s Bay Emergency Preparedness: Q&A
here’s a quick guide to understanding the ambitious emergency preparedness efforts in Hawke’s Bay:
- What is the HBCDEM and what are they doing?
- The Hawke’s Bay Civil defence Emergency Management Group (HBCDEM) is a joint committee focused on preparing the region for emergencies. They are currently undertaking an extensive training initiative for council staff, partner agencies, and volunteers.
- What specific skills are volunteers learning?
- Volunteers are gaining diverse skills, including crowd control, ground-level rescues, operating 4WD vehicles, and vehicle recovery. This hands-on training equips them to handle various emergency situations.
- How much is being invested in this initiative?
- Between March and June 2024,an additional $160,000 is being invested in training. This supports over 90 courses, benefiting more than 1,000 participants by June 2025.
- What are Community Emergency hubs and why are they important?
- Community Emergency Hubs are local centers designed to provide support and resources during emergencies.Hawke’s Bay currently has 27 established hubs, with 65 more in development, aiming to enhance community-level preparedness.
- What are Community Resilience Plans?
- community Resilience Plans are developed in collaboration with local communities to enhance their ability to withstand and recover from disasters. Staff have worked with six communities to develop these plans, with another 20 in progress.
- What’s planned for 2025 to improve readiness?
- The HBCDEM plans to conduct 10 local emergency management exercises across Hawke’s Bay in the latter half of 2025, culminating in a major combined exercise. These exercises are crucial for ensuring that the region is well-prepared for future events.
Hawke’s Bay is stepping up its game. By investing in training, resources, and community engagement, they’re building a more resilient region, one prepared for whatever tomorrow brings. You too can prepare, start your own survival bag today!
