Responsible for setting the strategic direction and ensuring everything runs smoothly, the Controller coordinates with partner agencies, secures essential resources, and keeps the community informed. They also act as the key link to governance, advising the Mayor on critical decisions, such as declaring a state of emergency.

With hands-on experience managing complex events — like the 2021 floods — Kelly, our Controller, is prepared to meet any challenge. Her calm, focused leadership ensures that Waimakariri stays resilient through every step of an emergency.

1. What is the role of a Controller during a civil defence emergency?

   The Controller takes overall leadership and responsibility at the local level response to an event in the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and sets the direction of the response through the Controller’s Intent.  They ensure coordination with other agencies, organisations, and the community as well as ensuring sufficient resourcing is available for the response.  The Controller is also the key link with Governance and makes recommendations to the Mayor on declaring a state of emergency.

2. What led you to become a Controller and how did you prepare for this role?

   I became a Controller when I was appointed to the role of General Manager Planning, Regulation, and Environment.  Prior to this point, I was an Operations Manager in the EOC as well as part of the Utilities and Roading BAU response to events.  This has given me good experience to step up into the Controller role. I have undertaken further training and development through a Controller course run out of the Canterbury Group office and the Response and Recovery Leadership Development programme.  Both have really added to my knowledge base and preparedness to serve the community in the response to an event. We also have a monthly Controller Catchup with our group of 7 Controllers which help assist in preparedness.

3. Can you describe a memorable or challenging emergency situation you’ve been involved in and how you managed it?

   Every event has its own unique challenges.  One of the most memorable for me was the May 2021 floods.  I was working in the Utilities and Roading (U&R) response as well as being the U&R liaison to the EOC.  This saw me focussing on the Okuku River breakout, which impacted a number of properties that were evacuated.  What made this memorable for me was the sheer volume of water that broke out from the river.  It was like nothing that I had seen in person before.  There were also the challenges in the call for help to assist with stock that were at risk from the flooding.  Our Welfare team were amazing to work with through this event.  Their contacts with other agencies really came through and show the importance of developing these relationships during peace time.

4. What key qualities or skills do you think are essential for a Controller during a civil defence emergency?

   Being calm and having an inquisitive nature are qualities that are very useful for Controllers.  A response is driven by the information coming in about the situation, and while situational awareness is key in a response, taking a moment to ask ‘so what?’ and ‘so who?’ is important in understanding the impacts of the situation and therefore the decisions that need to be made.  Stress can also be an issue in the EOC, so it is imperative that not only does the Controller have good self-awareness to recognise their own stress, but they also need to have good emotional intelligence to be able to recognise stress within the EOC, and to be able to take steps to reduce this for best performance.  A Controller also needs to be confident making decisions with incomplete information.  The unfolding nature of an event means that most decisions are needing to be made before we have a full picture of the situation.  To assist with this, it is important to be able to form good relationships with key contacts who can provide critical information to assist in decision-making.

5. How do you ensure effective coordination and communication among different teams during an emergency?

   In the EOC, we have regular Emergency Management Team (EMT) with all of the functional managers (effectively the response leadership team) as well as agency representatives.  These meetings enable the sharing of information and give an opportunity for everyone to get on the same page. From time to time it is also beneficial to have a full EOC stand up meeting.  These meetings are a great way to communicate key issues, focus the EOC, and if the ‘feel’ of the room is stressed to calm things down. The Controller will also have regular meetings with the Canterbury Group office which is an opportunity to understand how the event is affecting the larger area and what the wider response looks like.

6. What advice would you give to the community about preparing for and responding to emergencies?
   Preparedness is key.  Have a plan and supplies for your family.  Make sure that you have bottled water, food, medicines, toilet paper, and a grab bag handy.  Think about what you will need to get by for three days without power/water and make sure everyone in your household knows where these items are located.  Do regular checks and refreshes of your supplies.

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