More than 20 local residents, farmers, emergency management representatives and agency staff came together at the Waiotahe Settlers Hall last week to discuss how the rural community can better prepare for the next major emergency.

The Adverse Event Preparedness for Farmers Workshop, held on October 2, was co-ordinated by the Waiotahe Nukuhou Watercare Group and brought together representatives from Emergency Management Bay of Plenty, Rural Support Trust, iwi, primary sector organisations, councils and the local community.

Much of the discussion centred on the experiences of recent storms and flooding across the Waiotahe Valley and wider Eastern Bay, including the challenges created when roads and other transport routes are cut off.

For farming and horticultural communities, road closures can have significant consequences, affecting the movement of livestock, kiwifruit and other produce, essential supplies and emergency services.

Residents also shared experiences of flooding, slips, power outages and isolation, with many describing how neighbours became the first line of support when access to outside assistance was limited.

A key message from the workshop was that preparedness starts well before an emergency happens, with strong relationships and communication between communities and emergency agencies vital when normal services are disrupted.

Emergency Management Bay of Plenty representatives highlighted the value of local knowledge, with information from people on the ground helping agencies understand what is happening and where assistance and resources are most needed.

Residents were encouraged to consider how they would manage through an extended period without power, communications, road access or clean water, while discussions covered emergency supplies, generators, local communication networks and identifying vulnerable members of the community.

The workshop also introduced initiatives, including community emergency hubs and rural damage assessment systems, designed to improve how information is gathered and shared following major events.

Several practical ideas emerged during the day, including improved river monitoring, clearer communication of weather warnings, local emergency resource hubs and stronger links between rural communities and emergency management agencies.

Waiotahe Watercare Group members welcomed the opportunity to have residents and agencies around the same table, saying the workshop was about ensuring local knowledge and voices are part of emergency planning.

The day concluded with a commitment to continue the conversations and strengthen the relationships needed to support the Waiotahe community through future emergencies.

As one participant summed up: “The biggest takeaway is community. The more connected we are before an emergency, the better prepared we’ll be when one happens.”