Enabling and empowering residents to take ownership of their emergency preparedness is the goal of the Māpua-Ruby Bay Community Emergency Preparedness Plan (CEPP), which will be launched at Māpua Hall on Saturday, 29 November.
“Our community will experience the impacts of adverse weather events, fires and earthquakes at some time in the future. Having a plan and working together will increase our resilience,” says Paul McIntosh, chair of the Māpua and District Community Association (MDCA), which has led the initiative.
The CEPP has been developed over seven months by a dedicated subcommittee, which has appointed Susie Wendelborn as team co-ordinator. The plan is designed specifically for Māpua and Ruby Bay and focuses on collective responsibility rather than a command-and-control approach.
The launch event will feature information stalls, competitions, giveaways and a sausage sizzle. Groups taking part include Civil Defence, Neighbourhood Support, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), St John, Tasman District Council, Climate Resilience and other community organisations.
As part of its research, the committee conducted an online survey to assess local resources, skills and equipment, and to gauge how prepared residents felt. Around 80 responses were received, with many locals and businesses offering support.
Paul says the strength of the plan lies in its community-led approach.
“The aim is to increase the resilience of our community to the impacts of hazards and to promote problem solving and self-sufficiency through strong social networks and a culture of mutual help.”
He points to the Appleby Hills emergency response programme, founded by Irene Schrieber 10 years ago, as an example of what’s possible. That initiative proved invaluable during the 2023 tornado, when neighbours quickly assessed damage and ensured everyone’s safety.
In the event of a disaster, it’s unlikely emergency services will be able to reach everyone in Māpua and Ruby Bay immediately.
“The aim of the plan is to ensure that as a community we are resilient and prepared to take care of our families and neighbours during the initial 24 to 48 hours of a developing emergency,” Paul says.
Clare Kininmonth, a CEPP committee member, says she’s been encouraged by the positive response from residents and businesses, and by the range of skills and facilities available locally.
The Māpua Hall Committee is working closely with the CEPP tea.
