Presentations and Updates

4. Spaceweather Presentation

Marijn Kouwenhoven, Senior Science Engagement Coordinator and Otago Participatory Science Platform Coordinator at Tūhura Otago Museum, gave a presentation on spaceweather to the group. Members asked various questions to gauge the extent of vulnerability to the hazard.

5. Coordinating Executive Group (CEG) Chair Update

A report from Steve Hill provided an update to the Joint Committee on key activities, developments, and outcomes from recent meetings and initiatives of the Otago CDEM Group. It focused on readiness, response, welfare coordination, lifeline updates, and liaison efforts, highlighting progress and challenges. Steve spoke to the report and took it as read.

6. Items of Business

6.1 Manager’s Update

A report from Matt Alley updated the Otago CDEM Group Joint Committee on work activity completed for the year to date, current staffing and vacancies, arrangements for the after-action review for the severe weather event in October, and the emergency management system reform.

Matt spoke to his report and took it as read. He noted the workplan was attached as an appendix and an updated version had been sent out to all last night. They were currently interviewing for the Queenstown role and hoped to make an appointment next week. The first draft of the AAR would likely be completed mid-January, with the final report to be circulated afterwards.

6.2 Lifelines Update

A report from Mel Banks informed the Committee of the activity undertaken at the Otago Lifeline Utilities Group meeting on 25 November 2024. Mel spoke to the report and took it as read. She noted the meeting had low attendance, and a survey had been sent out instead to gather required input. The survey would remain open into the new year to reach consensus, after which an ad hoc meeting would be held to identify action items.

6.3 Group Plan Update

A report from Andy MacKenzie Everitt informed the Committee of the intent to conduct a mandated review of the Otago CDEM Group Plan 2018–2028. Matt spoke to the report and advised it was for noting. He clarified discrepancies around the date and confirmed the plan was due for formal review, being at the end of its five-year term. Work is beginning to identify the necessary participants. The item is expected to return to the Joint Committee in March.

6.4 Mana Whenua Facilitator Update

Mauriri McGlinchey provided formal reporting on the Araiteuru Emergency Facilitator pilot role, highlighting achievements, challenges, and progress in enhancing emergency preparedness and resilience in Ngāi Tahu communities.

Key points included deployment of pods to all four marae, the development of SOPs and training materials, improved marae emergency plans (including Moeraki marae’s online resource), and deployment of emergency lock boxes (ELBs) to seven vulnerable communities in Otago.

6.5 NEMA Update (CEG meeting 15 November 2024)

A report from Simon Chambers updated the committee on the Government's response to the NISWE inquiry recommendations, tsunami evacuation zone consultation, National Fuel Plan, Review of Reviews, emergency management deployment guidelines, and notes on spaceweather and Starlink.

6.6 Controller Appointments Update

A report from Matt Alley sought approval for two appointments:

• • Katherine Harbrow (GM Assurance, Finance and Risk) as a Local Controller for QLDC
  • Joanna Gilroy (GM Environmental Delivery) as an Alternate Group Controller for ORC