Nelson Tasman Civil Defence news and blog

Nelson Tasman Welfare team on its way to Canterbury

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:23:44 +1200

Members of the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Group are continuing to send help to earthquake ravaged Canterbury – with the focus now on welfare.

A ten member civil defence team is on its way to Christchurch and will lead the establishment of a new sector post to assist residents. The role of the sector post will be to provide information about services available to residents and to channel affected people to agencies that can help them.

The team is led by Debbie de Geus who is a Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Officer. Other members of the team include staff from Nelson City Council (four members), Tasman District Council (two members), a mental health crisis nurse from the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board and a teacher.

The welfare team follows the 12 members of the region’s Urban Search and Rescue team NZ RT2 which went to Christchurch earlier this week. The USAR team is helping affected residents by securing chimneys and other damaged structures.

Nelson City Council has sent seven Building Inspectors and Tasman District Council has also sent a Building Inspector with two more on stand-by to assist next week if required.

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Nelson Response team travels to Christchurch

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:18:43 +1200

Nelson is continuing to send assistance to Canterbury following the weekend’s devastating earthquake.

Today half the region’s Urban Search and Rescue team NZ RT2 has gone to Christchurch, with 12 out of 24 members responding to the deployment.

The team will be supporting NZ RT11, Christchurch’s own USAR team, inspecting buildings, assisting the residents to make their houses safe, fastening chimneys and other response activities. At this stage they will be activated for at least three days and will be staying at the Civil Defence training school at Sockburn.

Manager of Nelson Tasman Emergency Management, Roger Ball, is on his way back from Christchurch, after travelling down to assist on Saturday.

Three Building Inspectors from the Council’s Building Consent Authority travelled to Christchurch today to help the Christchurch City Council deal with the large number of badly damaged residential buildings. They will be assessing buildings and where necessary, issuing demolition orders.

The Inspectors, Phil Judge, Tim Bijl and Brendan Guyton will work until Saturday.

Two other Council staff (Tracy Quinton-Boundy and John McGirr) have also gone to Rangiora today to help Waimakariri for the rest of the week with its house damage assessments.

Tasman District Council has also sent a Building Inspector and is offering holiday accommodation for anyone wanting a break from the damaged area.

Meanwhile, Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall has sent a message of support and offer of assistance to Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.

“Canterbury is a neighbour in need. It would be rare to have anyone in Nelson who does not have family or friends in your region.

Please know the thoughts of my colleague Councillors and Nelsonians are with you all.” the message says.

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NZ Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:11:52 +1200

People wanting to donate goods to those affected by the earthquake are requested to make cash donations instead.

Managing goods during a response to and recovery form from a civil defence emergency can be difficult and divert essential resources. It is also logistically easier to use cash donations to obtain the goods required.

How to make a donation

You can make a donation the following ways:

Make a secure online donation now to the New Zealand Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal
Make an automatic $20 donation by phoning 0900 33 200.
At any branch of Post Shop Kiwibank, ANZ, National, ASB, BNZ and TSB throughout New Zealand
At any Red Cross service centre or branch nationwide by sending a cheque (made payable to: New Zealand Red Cross) to: Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, Red Cross House, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

100 per cent of all money donated to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal will go to the Appeal. More information on the Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal at the NZ Red Cross website

Based on media release #5 7 Sept 2010 NZ Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management

Nelson Tasman sends staff to help Canterbury following quake

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:36:02 +1200

Nelson City and Tasman District Councils are helping out our Canterbury neighbours following Saturday’s devastating earthquake.

Nelson City has sent three Building Inspectors to Christchurch to assist fatigued and overworked inspectors and a structural engineer is on standby, while Tasman District Council has also sent a Building Inspector as well as Structural engineers and is offering holiday accommodation for anyone wanting a break from the damaged area.

Local residents are being asked to be patient with any delays while the Nelson and Tasman staff are away.

Meanwhile, Manager of Nelson Tasman Emergency Management, Roger Ball, says the earthquake is a timely reminder to residents of this region, it could happen here. Roger travelled to Christchurch on Saturday to help Civil Defence authorities. He is continuing to work in the Emergency operations Centre (EOC).

Roger says the earthquake has shown many people were not prepared and had to face the event and traumatic after effects in the dark – literally.

“The timing of the 7.1 magnitude quake at 4.35am mercifully contributed to the lack of injuries, but it also meant people shaken awake had to try and find torches and avoid broken glass and fallen objects in blackout conditions.”

He says a torch handy to the bed is a sensible idea, as well as knowing exactly where slippers or other footwear is before trying to get too far.

“Many of the residents I have spoken to said the dark added to the trauma and feeling of powerlessness after the event. With the subsequent power outages, people literally could not see their way out of their homes or what obstacles had appeared. A torch and footwear near the bed would have helped.”

Roger says these are just two of the preparations we should all make for such an emergency as well having supplies to survive on your own. He says the messages Civil defence have always promoted have never been timelier.

Be prepared to cope on your own for up to three days, or more.

Before a disaster

You will need to have:

A Household Emergency Plan that will help you and your household plan for what to do when disaster strikes
Household Emergency Checklist This list will help you prepare essential food, water, clothing and medical supplies for you and your family to cope for at least three days
A Getaway Kit of essential emergency and medical items if you need to be evacuated.

In most emergencies, you should be able to stay at home or at your workplace. In this situation, you may have to rely on your Emergency Survival Items.

The Emergency Items should include:

Torch with spare batteries
Radio with spare batteries (check all batteries every 3 months)
A change of clothes for all family members (wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes)
First aid kit and essential medicines
Blankets or sleeping bags
Pet supplies
Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
Face and dust masks

Food and water for at least three days

Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
Bottled water (at least 3 litres per person, per day for drinking)
Plan how to get water for washing and cooking (check your hot water cylinder, pond, toilet cistern if it is free of chemicals)
A primus or gas barbeque to cook on
A can opener
Check and replace food and water every twelve months.

Supplies for babies and small children

Food, formula and drink
Change of clothing and nappies
Toys or favourite activity

Assemble everything you need for your Emergency Survival Items and place it somewhere that is easy to get to in an emergency. Make sure everyone in your house knows where your Emergency Survival Items are kept. If you prefer to keep some of your Emergency Survival Items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them quickly when an emergency occurs.

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Local Civil Defence Volunteers recognised tomorrow

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:35:12 +1200

More than eight decades of voluntary work for Nelson Tasman Civil Defence will be recognised at a ceremony in Richmond tomorrow.

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne says our region is lucky to be so well served by Civil Defence volunteers. “Their length and breadth of experience is such a valuable resource. Our region is vast and we need to be able to call on people on the ground with knowledge and expertise when situations arise. It’s wonderful the Ministry can recognise them in this way.”

Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Long Service Awards recognise the contribution of individuals who have volunteered their time and effort to civil defence. The awards are given for at least ten years CDEM service at local or national level, following nominations by CDEM Groups. In our region the group consists of Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. The awards will be presented by the Minister of Civil Defence, Hon John Carter.

Between them, the three award recipients have notched up more than 80 years of service to Civil defence.

Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall says the recent first ever assessment of Civil Defence capability in this region showed we are leading the way with a strong foundation.

“The Ministry noted the strength of our CDEM Group also lies in competent individuals in key roles, well established networks and a strong sense that members will be able to rely on each other for support if needed. Our volunteers fill an integral role and the length of service helps build and maintain those relationships” Mr Marshall says.

Award Recipients

Ed Stevens

Ed has been the Warden for the Motueka River Valley, based at his home at Ngatimoti for the past 34 years. He became involved in Civil Defence during the 1976 flood event in the Motueka River Valley area. Ed has been the warden in the Ngatimoti area ever since and maintains a VHF radio communication link with others up and down the river valley. Ed remains an active volunteer and in recent months has been updating civil defence planning for Ngatimoti.

Ken Simpson

Ken has been involved in Civil Defence for the past 20 years as a volunteer in the Murchison area. Ken operates both the HF and VHF radio communications in and out of Murchison for both Civil Defence Emergency Management and Land Search and Rescue (LSAR). Ken forms part of the incident management team at the Murchison Emergency Operations Centre and contributed to the newly completed “Murchison Community Response Plan” Ken’s radio expertise is also relied on by the West Coast CDEM Group through the communications links he maintains into the Springs Junction area.

Eric Humphrey

Eric’s connection to Civil Defence dates from 1981. The Brook Street flood in Nelson City was his first introduction to Civil Defence as a volunteer. In 1989, Eric took over radio communications for the Nelson Tasman region, becoming CDEM Group Communications Manager (a volunteer role). During his involvement Eric has further developed the radio systems in the Nelson and Tasman regions.

This has included providing training, assisting in the maintenance and installation of radios, and responding to emergency events.

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Ready Steady Safe - August 2010 issue

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:04:24 +1200

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Newsletter 'Ready Steady Safe' has a new issue now available. Read it now (169KB PDF).

Exercise Tangaroa coming in October

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:37:15 +1200

Exercise Tangaroa

Wednesday 20 October 2010 sees the start of Exercise Tangaroa, a national Civil Defence exercise.

Multiple agencies will be involved with the exercise that will tackle the early phases of a Tsunami event.

On a local scale, as a minimum, an Emergency Operations Centre will be activated together with the New Zealand Response Team 2.

For more current Civil Defence Emergency Management news

Download the August 2010 Ready Steady Safe Nelson Tasman Emergency Management newsletter (169KB PDF)

AREC to the rescue

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:32:16 +1200

AREC to the rescue!

Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) have been of great assistance to the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management team in getting a weekly radio check throughout the Nelson Tasman region off the ground.

The check, initiated out of the Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Office starting at 0830hrs on Thursday mornings, has proved to be a successful strategy in identifying radio units that could benefit from some repairs, consequently raising the standard of radio communications systems in Nelson Tasman.

Fourteen different geographic locations currently take part in the check with a further four coming on board soon. Once all eighteen locations are incorporated, the check itself, AREC and the participating local communities will go a long way in assisting us to achieve ‘A resilient Nelson Tasman Community’.

For more current Civil Defence Emergency Management news

Download the August 2010 Ready Steady Safe Nelson Tasman Emergency Management newsletter (169KB PDF)

Rocks Road reopens

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:45:09 +1200

Rocks Rd (SH6) has now reopened to traffic.

It had been closed for around two hours as storm surge coincided with high tide.

Motorists are still reminded to take extra care while driving today due to ongoing rain and wind.

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Rocks Road closed

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:34:38 +1200

OPUS advise that Rocks Road has been closed to traffic due heavy rain and winds coinciding with high tide (High tide at 11.54 am). It is likely to remain closed for a couple of hours until high tide passes.

Heavy rain warning issued

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:30:00 +1200

A heavy rain warning for the Nelson Tasman area was issued by Metservice at 8.24 am, Friday 13 August. An active front is expected to move slowly eastwards across much of New Zealand during today. The front is expected to bring a period of heavy rain. Residents are advised to watch out for rapidly rising rivers and streams. Details are as follows:

THE RANGES OF NORTHWEST NELSON
In the 13 hours from 9am Friday to 10pm Friday, expect 100 to 140mm of rain. Peak intensities of 20 to 25mm per hour.
FREEZING LEVEL: 1700 metres, rising to 2700 metres.

THE MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS AND RICHMOND RANGES In the 14 hours from 9am Friday to 11pm Friday, expect 80 to 120mm of rain. Peak intensities of 15 to 20mm per hour.

For the full forecast visit www.metservice.com

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence rates as a top performer with Government

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:03:58 +1200

An assessment of the capability of the region’s Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has shown it has a strong foundation.

The first ever assessment was carried out in April and is part of a national review process which will look at every local Civil Defence Group throughout the country every three years.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) carried out the review. The Ministry says the evaluation has revealed the Nelson Tasman Group to be very capable, with the commitment of stakeholders at all levels, and comprehensive planning having been undertaken across the 4Rs. (Readiness, Response, Resilience, Recovery).

Alan Walker from the Ministry says “The report showed Nelson to be one of the best performing Civil Defence Groups in New Zealand evaluated so far.”

The report notes positive working relationships and the strong regional focus of the civil defence management structure, which consists of the CEOs of the two councils and heads of the emergency services, District Health Board and the Ministry of Social Development.

The report also highlighted the engagement of a supportive governance structure for regional civil defence, which consists of the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of Nelson City and Tasman District. The Ministry says the strength of the CDEM Group also lies in competent individuals in key roles, well established networks and a strong sense that members will be able to rely on each other for support if needed.

The report says there is a high level of confidence in the Group’s ability to respond to an event of short duration, as well as the recognition that an event of longer duration is going to cause some degree of difficulty for its member organisations and communities. With this in mind community response plans have proven to be a successful mechanism to promote and enable community resilience.

However the assessment says there are some areas that could benefit from further attention. The most frequently raised issues related to the sourcing and developing of a dedicated Group Emergency Operations Centre, as well as the need to ensure there is ‘real’ capability and capacity behind the plans and procedures that have been developed over recent years.

The report concludes the Nelson Tasman Group has a very strong foundation - in its organisational and governance structures, the commitment of agencies and individuals, and the comprehensive way in which it approaches Civil Defence Emergency Management.

Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Manager Roger Ball has welcomed the assessment.

“It has been a very valuable exercise for all concerned and gratifying to know we are on the right track in so many areas. This report is a credit to all those concerned and the challenge now is to improve on those areas the Ministry has identified, such as a dedicated Group Emergency Operations Centre.”

RAD 948919

Tsunami Advisory Cancelled NO threat to NZ £1

Fri, 28 May 2010 08:04:14 +1200

National Advisory: Tsunami - Potential threat to New Zealand Cancellation

Issued at 06:42 hours on 28 May 2010

Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

Tsunami advisory cancelled:

Scientific analysis suggests that there is no threat to New Zealand, based on the earthquake magnitude, location and orientation to New Zealand. The NCMC will remain monitoring for a while.

Earthquake parameters:

Origin time:

28 May 2010 05:15 NZST

Co-ordinates:

13.7° S, 166.5° E

Depth:

20km

Location:

Vanuatu Islands

Magnitude:

7.2 Mw

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

Summary:

This is the last message via the national warning system for this event.

This cancellation message has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Nelson Tasman weather threat eases #4

Mon, 24 May 2010 17:19:16 +1200

The Nelson Tasman area remains under Metservice weather warning this afternoon, although the worst appears to have passed. Rain has eased considerably this afternoon and the high winds forecast have not eventuated.

Tasman District Council Hydrology staff advise there have been no problems in rivers around the region today.

No issues have been reported from the Tapawera area, where Civil Defence staff held concerns over the amount of debris still in rivers and streams from the 16 May flood.

Contractors in Tasman District Council are carrying on with operations after last week's storm to clear waterways above and below roads, and to expand access to minor roads that are still only a single lane. Work also continues to clear debris from culverts and bridges.

Civil Defence staff will continue to monitor the current weather situation overnight.

Tapawera weather warning #3

Mon, 24 May 2010 09:49:43 +1200

Heavy rain forecast for Tapawera #3

Metservice advise that the Nelson Tasman region is still under a weather warning. For Nelson west of Motueka, in the 6 hours from 9am Monday, Metservice say to expect a further 20 to 40mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.

While this amount is not necessarily very high, our message to residents - especially in the Tapawera area - is to remain vigilant with respect to rivers and streams that could still be blocked by debris from the flood on 16 May.

Civil Defence staff are closely monitoring the situation.

Heavy rain and high winds forecast from midnight for Tapawera #2

Sun, 23 May 2010 18:47:18 +1200

23 May 2010 #2

Regional Civil Defence authorities are putting out a precautionary warning to farms and properties in the Tapawera area as a result of MetService rain and gale warnings. Civil Defence has called residents who were affected by last weekend’s flood.

For Nelson west of Motueka, in the 15 to 18 hours from midnight Sunday, MetService says to expect 90 to 120mm of rain in the ranges, peaking at 15 to 20mm per hour Monday morning and afternoon. A total of 40 to 60mm is expected in low lying areas. This rain will be accompanied by a spell of easterly gales in exposed places.

Metservice will update the severe weather warning later tonight.

Civil Defence has alerted emergency services in Tapawera to the weather forecast.

Heavy rain and high winds forecast from midnight in Tapawera

Sun, 23 May 2010 12:55:55 +1200

Tapawera residents urged to be vigilant

Media release: 23 May 2010 # 1

Regional Civil Defence authorities are putting out a precautionary warning to farms and properties in the Tapawera area as a result of MetService rain and gale warnings.

Regional Civil Defence Manager Roger Ball says that while the forecast itself is not too threatening they are mindful of the drenching that Tapawera has had recently.

“We are asking people on farms and properties, especially in the areas affected by last week’s flooding, to be especially vigilant. It may be that streams still blocked by debris might dam causing further problems. Property owners should keep an eye on any streams near their homes. Farmers should ensure safety of stock.”

Civil Defence has alerted emergency services in Tapawera to the weather forecast.

Civil Defence will update the forecast at 6pm tonight.

Tapawera flooding road closure status - all roads open

Thu, 20 May 2010 18:49:10 +1200

Please note this will be the final status report. All roads are now confirmed open to the public. Reports on further cleanup work will be forwarded separately to Tasman DC Engineering.

Please Note: Roads with an OPEN status have been made passable. This does not mean that all culverts are cleared or that road has been cleared to original width. Further reinstatement works are required to address edge support, surface quality, drainage, debris removal from above the road.

ROAD NAME	FROM	TO	STATUS	REASON
DISTRICT WAIMEA/TASMAN
Motueka Valley Highway	Woodstock	Tapawera	OPEN	Open to two lanes.
Wangapeka River Road	Start	Dart River Ford	OPEN	Large debris flows and washed out culvert – passable to one lane.
Tapawera Baton Road	Start	Clarke Rd	OPEN	Significant debris flows – passable to one lane
Wangapeka West Bank Road	Tapawera Baton Rd		CLOSED	Significant debris flows – passable to one lane
Clarke Road	Tapawera Baton Rd		OPEN	No significant damage reported on this road.
Sherry River Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Graham Valley North Branch	Ford at start of road		OPEN	Ford Passable.
Hinetai Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Rocky River Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Baton Valley Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Brooklyn Valley Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Kaiteriteri Sandy Bay			OPEN	Passable
Tokongawa Drive			OPEN	Cleared
Williams Road			OPEN	Scour damage but clear.

DISTRICT MURCHISON
ALL ROADS			OPEN
DISTRICT GOLDEN BAY
Totaranui Road			OPEN	Slips cleared.
Cobb Valley Road (Upper and Lower)			OPEN	Slips cleared and has been gravelled/graded.

Tapawera flooding status report - Media release #9

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:42:51 +1200

ROAD NAME	FROM	TO	STATUS	REASON
DISTRICT WAIMEA/TASMAN
Motueka Valley Highway	Woodstock	Tapawera	OPEN	Open to two lanes.
Wangapeka River Road	Start	Dart River Ford	OPEN	Large debris flows and washed out culvert – passable to one lane.
Tapawera Baton Road	Start	Clarke Rd	OPEN	Significant debris flows – passable to one lane
Wangapeka West Bank Road	Tapawera Baton Rd		CLOSED	Significant debris flows blocking road, and some potential dropouts on edge of road. Machinery clearing today 19/5/10.
Clarke Road	Tapawera Baton Rd		OPEN	No significant damage reported on this road.
Sherry River Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Graham Valley North Branch	Ford at start of road		OPEN	Ford Passable.
Hinetai Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Rocky River Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Baton Valley Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Brooklyn Valley Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Kaiteriteri Sandy Bay			OPEN	Passable
Tokongawa Drive			OPEN	Cleared
Williams Road			OPEN	Scour damage but clear.

DISTRICT MURCHISON
ALL ROADS			OPEN
DISTRICT GOLDEN BAY
Totaranui Road			OPEN	Slips cleared.
Cobb Valley Road (Upper and Lower)			OPEN	Slips cleared and has been gravelled/graded.

Tapawera flooding - Media release #8

Tue, 18 May 2010 13:17:03 +1200

Roading repairs and closures

Contractors are continuing to clear debris and slips on the flood affected areas.

There are a still a number of road closures with clearance times estimated in the table below. While roads may be opening care is required when driving with crews still working to clear them for access

Please Note: Roads with an OPEN status have been made passable. This does not mean that all culverts are cleared, it is also likely that there will be further reinstatement works required to address edge support, debris removal from above the road.

ROAD NAME	FROM	TO	STATUS	REASON
DISTRICT WAIMEA/TASMAN
Motueka Valley Highway	Woodstock	Tapawera	OPEN	Logging Slash and debris flows - passable to one lane. Continuing being cleared 18/5/10.
Wangapeka River Road			CLOSED	Large debris flows and washed out culvert – Clearing 18/5/10.
Tapawera Baton Road	Phillips	Wangapeka West Bank	CLOSED	Significant debris flows and potential damage to bridge structure will be assessed when debris is cleared. Clearing 18/5/10 and anticipated it may be open by evening or 19/5/10.
Wangapeka West Bank Road			CLOSED	Significant debris flows – likely to be closed for several days. Can’t be accessed until Tapawera Baton Rd is cleared.
Clarke Road	Tapawera Baton Rd		CLOSED	Can’t be accessed until Tapawera Baton Rd is cleared.
Sherry River Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Graham Valley North Branch	Ford at start of road		OPEN	Ford Passable.
Hinetai Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Rocky River Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Baton Valley Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane.
Brooklyn Valley Road			OPEN	Passable to one lane. Two-Wheel-Drive access but still scoured.
Kaiteriteri Sandy Bay			OPEN	Two small slips but passable.
Tokongawa Drive			OPEN	Slip blocking one lane but passable. Being cleared to two lanes 18/5/10.
Williams Road			OPEN	Scour damage but clear.

There are still a number of people evacuated on Sunday who have not registered with officials. These people are being asked to call Roger Ball of the Emergency Management Office on 03 543 8400. This is essential if they need assistance now in or in the near future. People returning to their properties and identifying damage should be contacting their insurers.