West Coast Civil Defence Emergency Management Media release – 26 March 2020

Confirmed Case On the West Coast

We can now confirm that there is a case of Covid-19 on the West Coast. Additional details are available from the Ministry of Health website. Now that we know for certain that the virus has reached our region, we must all be exceptionally vigilant in adhering to the restrictions.

West Coast Severe Weather Event

West Coast Civil Defence Emergency Management has practical advice for our residents in the aftermath of the recent heavy rain event.

A Community Information Centre has been established at the I-Site in Hokitika if you would like to ask about further assistance, or if you need assistance with emergency accommodation.

Reminder: All those who have evacuated are asked to register at the Hokitika I-Site centre.

See below for our latest media release. 

Media Update 7

28 March 2019 0945 hours

West Coast Severe Weather Event

A state of emergency remains in place for the Westland District due to the effects of the severe weather event.

The West Coast Emergency Co-ordination Centre (ECC) and Westland Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will remain operational today.

Residents who are concerned about flooded properties should contact the Westland District Council to arrange an assessment.

The Westland District Council Emergency Operations Centre will stand down after the 1500 briefing.

The weather situation and river conditions are improving. Local roads are open. SH6 from Hokitia to Franz Joseph reopened at 1400. South of Franz Joseph SH 6 is open but drivers should be extremely cautious.

0930 09/11/18

Update from the Westland District Council Emergency Operations Centre
State Highway 6 from Hokitika to Fox Glacier is CLOSED due to surface flooding until further notice. Update 3pm.

NZTA have advised that SH73 Jacksons to Springfield is CLOSED due to a washout on the Goat Creek Bridge east of Otira. Update 5pm.

Some local roads are currently closed due to surface flooding but are expected to open this morning as the flooding recedes.

On Wednesday night Westland Mayor Bruce Smith and Grey Mayor Tony Kokshoorn alongside Westland District Council CEO Simon Bastion and the West Coast Civil Defence team met USAR at their Base of Operations(BoO) to learn more about their setup, how they operate and also how our two agencies coordinated our response during completion of our interdependent exercises.

Thoughts on Preparing for an Emergency

By Jim Butzbach

One of the hardest things about a Civil Defence emergency is that you can’t just give up in the middle of it. Your living situation may be uncomfortable for an extended period of time and you have to find the mental resilience to deal with that. One strategy that works quite well is to set yourself a challenge and a few goals each day to help keep you focussed.

Of course – having supplies on hand to take care of your most basic needs is essential.

Live Facebook Updates:

West Coast Severe Weather: What Support is Available, and Tips for Cleaning Flooded Properties and Dealing with Food after Flooding

Were you affected by the recent severe weather event (Ex Cyclone Fehi)?
EQC and Insurance Council representatives will be available for public drop-in information sessions in relation to last week’s storm event, as follows:

Public health issues and stormwater flooding

Stormwater flooding incidents can pose public health issues due to the additional strain it places on wastewater systems.

Our Building Control Manager has come up with some helpful hints and tips for how you can keep you and your family safe when stormwater flooding occurs near your property: