Waiouru to meet on civil defence

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 500, 24 August 1993, Page 1

Waiouru to meet on civil defence

BY

JENELLE

FREWEN

The Waiouru community will be given the opportunity to hear about the new Civil Defence Plan tomorrow night at a special meeting. A new document has been devised over recent

months following the changes to the Army's role in civil defence and the abolition of wardens. No longer does the Army have a primary obligation to the civilian population of Waiouru during a civil defence or disaster but will now play a secondary role once the defence personnel and installations have been secured. The comprehensive 20-page document will be available to the public at tomorrow night's meeting to be held in the Teacher's tearooms at the Primary School and

commencing around 6.30pm. A civil defence emergency may be put into action during all kinds of occurrences such as natural disasters and manmade hazards like chemical spillages. Particularly pertinent to the Ruapehu region though is the possibility of a natural disaster occurring such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption. The meeting is designed to "ease the community's worries", meeting convener and Waiouru Community Board member Sue

Rodger said. A representative from Palmerston North will be there to provide information along with the Ruapehu co-ordinator of civil defence, Karen Ngati from Taumarunui.

Both will offer an understanding of what occurs during a civil defence emergency and the various roles which the community and regional authorities must play.