Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers is welcoming new emergency management laws that will make sure rural communities have a voice when disasters strike.
“The needs of rural communities should never be an afterthought when we’re planning for, or responding to, emergencies like floods, earthquakes and cyclones,” Federated Farmers adverse events spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.
“The Government’s Emergency Management Bill makes it clear that New Zealand’s 16 regional Emergency Management Co-ordinating Executive Groups (CEGs) must have at least one member with knowledge, experience or expertise in the interests and needs of rural communities.
CEGs report to Emergency Management Committees, which under the new laws are required to ensure the CEG rural representative has the resources, information and administrative support needed to effectively perform their role.
“Feds pushed hard for this guaranteed place at the CEG table and we’ve over the moon that the Government, and those on the select committee who helped shape the legislation, have heard our calls.”
Faulkner says some regions saw the light long ago and have been harnessing that rural lens in emergency planning and response for everyone’s benefit.
“But in other places it’s been ad hoc and uncoordinated, leaving some isolated farms and communities to fend for themselves in emergencies for far too long.”
Decisions on road closures, access, resource prioritisation, and communication are often made without understanding exactly who is isolated, what critical rural activities are occurring, and the risks to animals and livelihoods.
“That lack of formal or mandated rural representation has repeatedly led to inconsistent and, at times harmful, outcomes,” Faulkner says.
“Rural communities need to be represented from the start, providing that knowledge of how many people live down a long country road, what equipment they have, and any alternative access points.”
Farmers also have knowledge and resources to help the wider district in response and recovery – tractors, front end loaders, chainsaws – and the ability to use that sort of equipment.
The Emergency Management Bill, which passed its third reading in late August, will also improve how animal welfare is managed during and after emergencies, including through a new power allowing authorised emergency management responders to enter premises where animals need help.
The Bill also expressly requires rural communities to be consulted when the national emergency management strategy is made.
“There’s more work to do in honing our emergency planning, and in the response and support aftermath when the proverbial hits the fan, but this new legislation is a giant step forward,” Faulkner says.