Recognition for Emergency Operations Centre staff
The efforts of more than 60 people who staffed Wairarapa’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) during the COVID-19 response were recognised at the Carterton Events Centre today (Thursday, 30 July).
The EOC was the first to be activated in the Wellington region, and one of the first nationally, after a case of community transmission was confirmed in Carterton.
It involved staff from the three district councils, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), and the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office.
The EOC’s role was to support the Ministry of Health, as the lead agency, coordinating welfare services for people directly impacted, working with emergency services, and delivering public communication.
EOC Local Controller David Hopman said it was appropriate to recognise what was an extraordinary effort by staff involved.
“The EOC was activated for 69 days – far longer than it would normally be operating for a civil defence emergency caused by the likes of a weather event.
“In the early days of the Level 4 lockdown, in particular, this was a very intense environment. We were planning for widespread infections and-worst case scenarios, which was very stressful at times and meant some long days - it wasn’t easy.
“What we want to do is acknowledge the efforts of everybody involved in getting through to this stage.
“Obviously the response to COVID-19 is continuing at a national level, and we continue to monitor the situation locally, but it is a good time to look back on what was achieved.”
The EOC was activated on 22 March and deactivated on 29 May.
Hairdresser
New to Carterton, been here a month and love it people are so much more friendly than the city where we came from. In need of a good hairdresser not too expensive. Any recommendations.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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