Upper Hutt’s Emergency Operations Centre Ready to Respond

Published on 11 November 2024

He Pānui Pāpāho |News release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Upper Hutt’s Emergency Operations Centre was activated last Thursday morning to respond to a region-wide emergency exercise, simulating a magnitude 8.2 earthquake along the Alpine Fault.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) located in the city centre’s Central Library became a central hub for coordinating information, managing resources, and leading emergency management efforts to support our community. 

Council staff stepped into roles to assess and understand Upper Hutt’s needs and practice real-time communications and coordination with all other EOCs in the Wellington region. 

The simulated exercise was supported by partners from Department of Corrections, Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand Defence Force, NZ Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Upper Hutt Community Rescue, and Ministry of Primary Industries

It highlighted the importance of rapid impact assessments and effective communication with the public. 

It also reinforced how crucial the Maidstone Sports Hub could be as an Emergency Assistance Centre if needed. 

Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act, councils have a legal responsibility to prepare for and manage emergency responses for their communities. 

Councils play a unique role, with local knowledge and networks essential for effective decisions across all phases of emergency management: reduction, readiness, response, and recovery. 

Regular exercises like this mean that our EOC team—both Council staff and external partners—remains ready to step up when an emergency arises. 

For more information on this news release, please email media@uhcc.govt.nz.