Neighbourhood Support – Why local readiness matters

Recent years have brought severe weather events that have tested the resilience of the Hibiscus Coast.

Our geography includes vulnerable coastal areas, low-lying land and key arterial routes prone to slips, making local preparedness increasingly important. Resilience depends on communities that are organised, informed and connected.

What is a Community Emergency Hub?

When disasters strike and standard communication systems such as phones, power and internet fail, communities need a reliable way to connect.

A Community Emergency Hub provides a focal point where people can meet, share information, support each other and help look after their community during an emergency.

A hub may operate from a designated physical location, but it can also function as a network of community support. This could include checking on neighbours, reporting damage, sharing information and coordinating local resources remotely.

Whether based at a physical location or operating as a network, the aim is to help communities organise and respond effectively when normal systems are disrupted.

The Hibiscus Coast already has a number of local preparedness groups and networks.

Under the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Emergency Readiness and Response Plan, Community Resilience Groups include Te Herenga Waka Ōrewa Marae in Silverdale, Whangaparāoa, Hibiscus North, Hatfields Beach and Waiwera. A group is also being established in Stillwater.

Building these connections before an emergency means neighbours are better placed to support one another when something happens.

Know your risks: Understand the hazards that could affect your area, including severe storms, coastal flooding and slips.

Know your neighbours: Strong local relationships make it easier to check on vulnerable people, share information and lend a hand.

Make a community plan: Connect with your nearest Community Resilience Group, identify local resources and discuss how people could help during an emergency.

Get involved

Neighbourhood Support can help residents build local networks so fewer people are left isolated during a crisis.

Anyone interested in getting involved can visit hcns.org.nz or follow Hibiscus Coast Neighbourhood Support on Facebook.

More: Search Hibiscus and Bays Emergency Readiness and Response Plan and Auckland Emergency Management – Get Community Ready.