Emergency Management
Whakatane district has a unique natural environment that incorporates a wide range of hazards. The Regional Civil Defence Plan identifies flooding, volcanic eruption, tsunami, extreme weather events and large earthquakes as high priority hazards. In addition animal disease, human pandemic and biological pests are also considered high priority.
Whakatane District Council supports a range of initiatives aimed at keeping local residents safe in the event of a natural disaster.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY DIAL 111
Tune into your local radio station 1XX 90.5FM to be given up to date information.
Listen to 1XX Live Stream - (clicking this link will launch your media player)
Find out how to prepare your household for an emergency and what to do in an emergency on the Government's Get Ready, Get Thru website.
Prepare a survival kit for your home or business
In a Civil Defence emergency you could be on your own for up to three days. Every household should have a survival kit and a plan for what to do in an emergency.
Keep a supply of:
- Candles
- Matches/lighter
- Phone book
- First aid kit
- Canned or dried food
- Can opener
- A set of old clothes in plastic bag
- Three litres of fresh water per person per day
- Plastic sheeting or bin liners
- Portable radio and spare batteries
- Torch and spare batteries
- Medication, glasses, baby food, pet food
- Important documents, such as passports and birth certificates.
Download a household emergency checklist (PDF, 57Kb)
Whakatane District hazard map
The Earthquake Commission has compiled a map of our district showing the natural hazards present. Download hazard map (PDF, 154Kb).
Whakatane Emergency Response Team 
Whakatane Emergency Response Team (WERT) is a Council supported initiative. The team is made up of volunteers who train fortnightly and give up many of their weekends to enhance their rescue knowledge and skills.
The team has a qualified paramedic, and is proficient in rope and swift water rescue, flood response, and urban search and rescue. As well as keeping Whakatane district residents safe, the team can respond to national emergencies when required.
Download a WERT Brochure (PDF, 225Kb)
Download a WERT Application Form (PDF, 88Kb)