Yesterday I was directed to a Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Report which outlines a Community Resilience Pilot Project for Piha.
Komiti Ārai Tūmatanui me Te Toko Raru Ohorere / Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Committee
The purpose of the initiative is “to provide an update on Auckland Emergency Management’s community resilience building initiatives in Piha.” The report starts of by highlighting how “the Piha community is particularly at risk of natural hazards . . . exemplified by the storm events of 3 February, 10 April and 28 April 2018.”
The pilot project addresses:
- a) how first response activity will safely occur;
- b) co-development of practical tools for community to build their own resilience (of which first responders will be involved);
- c) ensuring that community understands their local hazards and understands the impacts of the hazards on them; and
- d) the review and assessment of the flood risk.
As can be see, the analysis and advice outlined in this report are relatively vague, which is to be expected in a Council Report. However, the report delves into more detail when discussing the intended outcomes of previous community meetings. That is to “focus on the following areas of opportunity:”
- a) being prepared for an emergency at home;
- b) having facilities capable of becoming centres of coordination and refuge;
- c) having special plans in place for most vulnerable areas, such as Glenesk Valley; and
- d) improving communications and response planning across emergency services.
Finally, the document mentions that the “Auckland Council has worked on a Flooding Assessment report for Piha Stream (Glenesk Road), which includes possible monitoring and flood warning options.” Such a report could implicate this story because it may clarify why these floods are occurring so regularly.
Cooper, C. (2018). Piha Community Resilience Pilot Project. Retrieved from http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2018/08/CIV_20180829_AGN_6934_AT_WEB.htm
