Whakatane, Opotiki and Kawerau District Council's have a combined emergency management office. It is operated from the Whakatane District Council, Commerce Street, Whakatane.
All three councils contribute to the maintenance of the office, which in turn has several important functions, including maintenance of the emergency operations centre and the training of a response team.
As part of its responsibility to the community it serves, the office also offers education and training to any group wishing to upskill in civil defence matters.
When Disaster Strikes
Knowing what to do in the event of a disaster can help to keep you and your family safe.
To learn what is happening and what you should do tune into the local radio station for updates and messages from Civil Defence.
Listen to 1XX Live Stream - (clicking this link will launch your media player)
Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Group
The Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Group brings together all the local councils, the Regional Council, emergency services, District Health Boards and other organisations to work together towards its vision:
"A resilient Bay of Plenty Region"
The Whakatane District Council is a member of the Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Group. The Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Group website has information about potential hazards in our region, "Be Prepared" advice, Emergency Status alerts for the region, latest news etc.
If a disaster happened now, would you be ready?
Due to its location and environment, New Zealand faces many potential disasters. In some cases , such as a weather related or volcanic disaster, there may be time for a warning. But an earthquake or a tsunami close to land could strike without warning. All disasters have the potential to cause disruption, damage to property and take lives. So it's vital that you prepare now.
The Get Ready, Get Thru website will show you how to get ready, so you'll get through.
The Disaster Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities (1MB, pdf) will assist those who have physical, visual, auditory or cognitive disabilities in preparing for a disaster.
Downloads
Get Ready Get Thru Brochure - A brochure containing all the information you need to get ready so you can get through.
PDF Version - Get Thru Brochure - (PDF, 412Kb)
Word Version - Get Thru Brochure - (.doc, 109Kb)
Household Emergency Checklist and Plan - This Household Emergency Checklist and Plan will help you get everything ready, and have a plan for your household so you get through.
Household Emergency Checklist and Plan - (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).
In a Civil Defence Emergency it is recommended that you store three litres of water per person per day
Due to losing our supplier these casks are no longer available from any of the three Eastern Bay of Plenty council offices (Kawerau, Opotiki and Whakatane).