As Planning Manager, Janet guides Waimakariri’s emergency response, anticipating how events may unfold and advising the Controller on urgent actions, such as evacuations or emergency declarations.
Drawing on years of experience and collaboration with multiple agencies, Janet ensures that our Civil Defence can take swift, strategic action to keep residents safe in critical moments.
- What is the role of a Planning Manager during a civil defence emergency?
This is the role which predicts how the “event” will unfold and advises on the overall direction for the response. I advise the Controller on any urgent and longer-term objectives and actions required.
For example, during a flood or tsunami event, I will use information provided by the Intelligence Team to consider and advise the Controller if evacuations are needed.
The role also advises on the need for a Declaration of a Civil Defence Emergency, which allows the District to obtain additional resources. The Declaration provides Civil Defence with authority to authorise evacuations or other actions that impact residents. It means Civil Defence can authorise urgent unforeseen expenditures in conjunction with the Logistics Team.
- What led you to become a Planning Manager and how did you prepare for this role?
I have worked in Civil Defence roles and undertaken training since about 2004, including with another Council.
- Can you describe a memorable or challenging emergency situation you’ve been involved in and how you managed it?
Co-managing the Evacuation Centre at Rangiora Baptist Church following the 2011 earthquakes. It was highly challenging working in with the army and police to provide supplies for residents who were housed here from out of Christchurch. This required listening to advice from agencies and needs of those being housed and working out what additional services we could obtain for them.
- What key qualities or skills do you think are essential for a Planning Manager during a civil defence emergency?
Stay calm whilst advising on urgent evacuation requirements or other controls necessary to keep residents out of harm’s way.
- How do you ensure effective coordination and communication among different teams during an emergency?
Keep talking to people from different teams or ask team members to get updates from the other teams. An up-to-date repository of all information may be available within our key information system, called ‘D4H’.
- What advice would you give to the community about preparing for and responding to emergencies?
Have at least 7 days of water and food stored in your home and consider food and water requirements whilst on road trips. Keep the petrol tank at least half full all the time. Arrange meeting up plans or have alternative support in place for family members in case of unanticipated separations.
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