Papakura gets ready for emergencies

A new plan is set to empower the Papakura community to better prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The Papakura Local Board Emergency Readiness and Response Plan, created with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), offers practical guidance to help residents and businesses stay safe before, during, and after an emergency.

The plan responds to lessons learned from the devastating Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which highlighted the importance of local preparedness and community support during emergency events.

Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says everyone in the area experienced the flooding and storms of a recent of years.

"They taught us we are not exempt. While we were lucky to escape the damage some suffered, we still saw people displaced, so getting ourselves ready is the sensible thing to do."

Our plan identifies the area's major hazards and provides tips on reducing risk, preparing for emergencies, and navigating the recovery process.

Developed through consultation with community and faith-based groups, subject matter experts, and key agencies, the plan is designed to reflect the unique needs of the area.

Printed copies will be available in libraries and community centres, while a digital version will soon be accessible on the council website.

"We are lucky to have the Papakura Community Resilience Network working in this space too. Members will be going into the community next year to expand the network, and they have already showed that getting ready for an emergency can be great for reconnecting communities and building relationships at a neighbourhood level."

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