Editorial: Testing times
OPINION: Our hearts go out to the farmers and rural communities in Southland and Otago who are battling an onslaught of adverse weather.
Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty has announced further appointments to the Government Inquiry into the response to the 2023 North Island severe weather events.
Sir Jerry Mateparae, who was announced as chair of the inquiry two weeks ago, will be joined on the Inquiry by:
The Panel will be appointed for the duration of the Government Inquiry, which is due to be completed in March 2024.
“There are always lessons that come from responses to severe weather events. We began an inquiry to ensure New Zealand’s emergency management system is properly set up so that we’re ready for and can respond to future emergency events,” McAnulty says.
He says the members of the inquiry, announced today, have broad knowledge and experience from a wide range of relevant areas.
“The Inquiry will look at how prepared local and central governments were to be able to respond to the severe weather events.
“The Government has committed $6.8 million to meet the costs of the Inquiry. It is important it’s done right and has the resources it needs,” he adds.
“Many agencies involved in the severe weather response are undertaking their own reviews, which will be more specific. The Government Inquiry will not seek to duplicate this work and will be informed by the findings of those reviews when making recommendations.
“I’d like to welcome the members of the Inquiry and thank them for being a part of this work. The weather events have been extremely tough on communities and it’s important we learn lessons and keep improving.”
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