Community Preparedness

Tararua District Council works with communities across the district to develop Community Response Plans. These are locally driven plans that outline:

• The risks specific to your area (like flooding, isolation, or power outages)
• Key people and local resources that could help in an emergency
• Safe meeting places and local support networks
• How to stay connected with Civil Defence during a response

These plans empower communities to act quickly and confidently while help is on the way. They’re living documents – updated regularly with input from the community.

Tararua District Council supports local Civil Defence community groups by:

• Helping set up or refresh plans
• Providing training and resources
• Sharing hazard and emergency information
• Staying connected during activations and recovery

Civil Defence Community Groups have been established in multiple urban and rural areas across Tararua, including Dannevirke, Woodville, Pahiatua, Eketāhuna, Norsewood, Pongaroa, Ākitio, Herbertville, Alfredton, Weber, Makuri, Te Uri, Ormondville and Kumeroa.

Each hub is equipped with welfare supplies and essential gear. Five of these groups were created in response to Cyclone Gabrielle, with strong support from our recovery team, who have worked hard to get them up and running.

In a disaster, your neighbours are your first line of support. A resilient community is one where people:

• Check in on each other
• Share resources and information
• Know who might need extra help
• Work together during and after emergencies

We encourage residents to build relationships with their neighbours and local groups now — it could make a big difference later.