Paddy's Message "Be Prepared"

Spreading a community message of individual preparation for emergencies will be central to his new position with Tararua District Council says newly appointed district resilience manager Paddy Driver.

A lengthy background in fire fighting along with time in the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Forestry Service are just three examples of experience with the outdoors that equip him for the role. Add in also 20 years with the army including active service in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

“Put simply my role is to ensure that the area is ready in the event of an emergency,” he says.

Rural fire and civil defence are Mr Driver’s responsibilities. He looks forward to “ongoing consultation with emergency providers,” and to raising awareness within the community through school education, meetings and other initiatives.

Referring to Samoa’s recent tsunami he believes it’s time now for individuals to take responsibility and move on from the prevailing “she’ll be right” attitude. Instead people should be asking “‘what have I done to be prepared?”’ he says.

The “Four Rs” are Mr Driver’s mantra. Reduction – minimising risk around potential fire hazards for example; Readiness – “has a rural fire brigade got the right gear; Response – “when the balloon goes up are you ready; Recovery – thinking long term after a disaster.

Settled now in Dannevirke from Porirua City Council where he was parks and assets information officer both Paddy and his wife Ngaroma are enjoying the friendliness of the residents.

In another life there is a strong musical background in Irish bands both as a singer and the ability to play a diverse range of instruments. More recently he has learnt to make guitars. Watch this space.