As at 22/08/06, The Civil Defence web page is currently under review 

The aim of Civil Defence operations is to provide adequate protection for residents of the District in the event of an emergency.

In accordance with the Civil Defence Act 1983, the Rotorua District Council has a management contract to carry out its statutory functions as required by that Act.

These functions include the requirement to prepare a Civil Defence Plan to deal with all matters relating to Civil Defence within its district.  That plan shall include the provision for the maintenance and operation of a civil defence organisation and such committees, units and services that are considered necessary or desirable.  It shall give effect and be consistent with any operative national or regional Civil Defence Plan.  The Civil Defence Plan also identifies the Local Controller and any person who may perform those functions and powers.  Currently His Worship the Mayor is the Controller and the Alternate Controller is the Deputy Mayor or Civil Defence Officer.

A state of Civil Defence Emergency may be declared by the Mayor or designated person if a situation has occurred or may occur that causes injury or loss of life or distresses or endangers the safety of the public in any way and is outside the scope of the Police or the New Zealand Fire Service.  Such situations in the Rotorua District could include earthquake, storm, volcanic eruption, fire, flood or a man-made disaster.

A very strong volunteer organisation exists in the Rotorua District from which comes the bulk of the Initial Response Unit, the Headquarters Unit, the Welfare Unit and such other teams and positions that go to make up the Civil Defence organisation.  However, Council employees are also trained to be in a position to staff the Headquarters and Rescue Groups if the situation so demands it.  Any member of the public may contact the Civil Defence Officer if they would like to train to join the Civil Defence volunteers.

Copies of the current Civil Defence Plan are on display at the Rotorua District Council offices and the Rotorua Public Library in Haupapa Street.

For information regarding personal action to be taken in a disaster, please contact the Civil Defence Officer on 07 3484199 overseas +64 7 348 4199.

For further information visit the Civildefence website