The Role of Civil Defence

The term 'Civil Defence' is New Zealand's system of emergency management – reducing risk, being ready for, responding to and recovering from emergencies.

Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) is a function and responsibility of regional, district and city councils. CDEM groups around the country are responsible for coordinating and delivering effective emergency management in their regions.

Civil Defence in the South Waikato District

In the South Waikato District, Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) is administered by the South Waikato District Council.

Our South Waikato CDEM is part of the Waikato CDEM Group where 11 councils collectively cover the greater Waikato region. The South Waikato CDEM Group works together with local government, emergency services, lifeline utilities and others to ensure we are ready to effectively respond to emergencies.

We do this by:

• Planning, organising, coordinating, and implementing comprehensive civil defence emergency management with our partners in the Taupō District
• Identifying and understanding hazards and risks in the South Waikato District and how we can best respond to and manage those hazards and risks
• Preparing CDEM Group plans and managing hazards and risks across the "4Rs" (reduction, readiness, response and recover)
• Running and supporting public education campaigns on emergency readiness
• Coordinating the response to large-scale emergencies when they occur in the Taupō District
• Supporting the greater Waikato region and other areas in New Zealand when emergencies occur.

Supporting schools, community groups and organisations

Help your school, organisation, marae or community group get prepared for emergencies.

Our team are here to help and can work with you to identify strengths, resources, risks and solutions to help your school, organisation, marae or community group get through an emergency.

For more information or if you would like to have a member of our Taupō Civil Defence Emergency Management team come and talk to you, please contact us at Taupō District Council.

Phone: 07 885 0340
Email: info@southwaikato.govt.nz

ShakeOut

New Zealand ShakeOut is our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi.

ShakeOut takes place once a year, usually in October, to remind people of the right action to take during an earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold. You can also practice a tsunami hīkoi (evacuation walk) if you're in a coastal area.

The most recent ShakeOut took place on 27 October 2023.

Find out more about taking part in ShakeOut