Nelson Tasman Civil Defence rated best in the country

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group has achieved the highest score in the country as part of its capability assessment report undertaken by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

A score of 82.1% has been awarded to the Group, higher than the target of 79% set by the Director in 2013, making them the top Group in New Zealand.

The Nelson Tasman Group held its top position after also being rated best in the last round of reviews in 2009.

In its latest report, the Ministry had high praise for the Group, noting the result “set an example to other CDEM Groups”.

“The result reflects a highly collaborative culture amongst all CDEM partners across the region," the Ministry said.

“The strong scores across the capability assessment reflect the well-developed interagency relationships; well-connected subcommittee structure that drives CDEM delivery, and the ongoing commitment to reducing hazard risk across both councils."

“The smaller size of the Group and the two unitary councils' further enhance this connectedness and this provides a significant advantage in the ability to influence across the 4R's [reduction, readiness, response, recovery] with the approach taken in risk reduction the most notable – CDEM is ‘embedded in what we think, do and say – there is no gap,” it said.

Nelson Tasman CDEM Manager Roger Ball says the high score reflects an engaged and effective team.

“We are pleased to see this report and such an impressive score, which shows a highly capable team across both councils and in our partner agencies. Staff have sought to incorporate important lessons from our big floods and the Canterbury earthquakes.”

The key agencies making up the CDEM Group are Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, emergency services, Ministry of Social Development, the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board and an iwi representative.

The report made one recommendation for the Group to assess its position and develop an appropriate action plan that will enable its continuous improvement.

ENDS

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