South Auckland leader: This daylight saving weekend a reminder to get emergency ready

Auckland Council is rolling out a new campaign urging residents to “get emergency ready” over this weekend.

Adam Maggs, General Manager of Auckland Emergency Management, says the daylight saving change is an ideal moment to check household supplies and talk about what to do if disaster strikes.

“Emergencies don’t send calendar invitations, they just show up, sometimes in the middle of the night,” he says. “Having a plan and essential emergency supplies ready means you and your whānau can stay safer and connected, no matter what comes your way.”

The campaign runs until 29 September across billboards, radio, digital banners and social media, offering checklists and tools to help families put plans in place.

Lessons from 2023 floods

Tauanuʻu Nick Bakulich, chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, says households need to take time now to prepare.

“It is important that our households are prepared and have a plan in the event of emergencies,” Tauanuʻu says.

“Being prepared helps us know what we need to do at the time of an emergency and how to access what resources we have prepared. Being prepared puts us in a better position to cope and tackle the challenges of emergencies.”

He is encouraging South Auckland families to use the weekend to talk through their plans and stock up on supplies.

Auckland Emergency Management command vehicles in Māngere. Photo/Auckland Council

“Make sure you have non-perishable food and water, candles, torches, batteries, matches and a transistor radio. Keep these in containers that are easily accessible and free from adverse weather,” he says.

Local boards backing community resilience

Tauanuʻu says households cannot do it alone.

“Whilst households can plan, I would encourage our churches and community organisations to also do the same,” he says.

The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board is supporting resilience through its own Emergency Readiness and Response Plan, developed with Auckland Emergency Management.

“The board continues to support the community by way of messaging, implementing and resourcing emergency readiness plans. It’s about equipping our communities with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively when emergencies occur,” Tauanuʻu says.

With daylight saving marking the start of spring, both council and community leaders are urging families to treat this weekend as a prompt to prepare.

For guidance, visit Auckland Emergency Management’s website for tools and checklists to help prepare your household emergency plan.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.