Civil Defence awards to be launched in Manukau

Manukau has been chosen for the inaugural Ministerial Awards for Civil Defence Emergency Management, with 38 volunteers being recognised for long and active service to the community.

The inaugural event, hosted by Manukau Mayor Len Brown, will be held at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre tonight at 7.30pm, where Minister of Civil Defence Hon. John Carter will present the awards.

Mayor Len Brown says the choice of Manukau to launch the awards recognises the high level of community involvement in civil defence. The council’s Emergency Management Office staff also worked with the Minister’s Office in the development of the awards.

“As the local civil defence emergency management agency, we rely on people within the community to step up in times of emergency. Without this support on the ground, our job would be much more difficult,” Mr Brown says.

Manukau has almost 200 volunteers, all trained by the Manukau City Council’s Civil Defence Emergency Management staff.

“It’s also appropriate that the awards launch should be this week, as it is Disaster Awareness week. The recent events in the Pacific have brought it home to us that disaster can strike at any time. At these times, our volunteers are essential. However, in other emergencies, such as the Kawakawa Bay slip, our volunteers are called on to help.

“These awards are a fitting way to recognise this service and dedication to the community.”

The awards include three categories:

Long Service Award for civil defence emergency management service of 10 years or more
Silver Award for important contributions to civil defence emergency management
Gold Award (one per year) for outstanding contributions to civil defence emergency management.