Civil Defence seminar for migrants

Chinese new settlers to New Zealand will be able to find out about natural disasters and hazards in Whangarei at a free seminar on Saturday 27 October from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at the Whangarei Migrant Centre, 71 Bank St.

​‘Civil Defence – Emergencies in Northland’ is the title of the next seminar offered to migrants and newcomers in Whangarei by Settlement Support. It relates to the national campaign ‘Get ready. Get thru’; urging people to be ready for local disasters so they can get through them.

The seminar is open to all people and a Mandarin language interpreter will be present at the seminar to make the information easy to understand for all Chinese locals who attend.

The seminar will inform newcomers about the most likely hazards and disasters in the region and the practical steps that anyone can undertake to prepare for, and manage, the effects of disasters. Participants will also get an understanding of our local Civil Defence organisation and its work.

“Some disasters, such as earthquakes, are not as likely to occur in the Whangarei District as they are in some other areas of the country, but other emergencies are more likely. It is important for people to understand what the local risks are and to take steps to protect themselves in the event of an emergency,” says Victoria Randall, Whangarei District Civil Defence Emergency Management Officer.

“Migrants may be well informed about hazards from their home country but not realise what the local risks are here in New Zealand, and how we manage them.  While organisations can help in an emergency, individuals also need to protect themselves and their property from the effects of disasters.”

“All migrants should take the opportunity to be informed about the likely (and unlikely) disasters that can occur in our area. Anyone interested in this important local information is welcome to come along”, says Ellen Altshuler, Settlement Support Coordinator.

Last May Settlement Support organised a similar seminar, but this time it will be on a Saturday and with a Mandarin language interpreter.

To register or for more information about this seminar, phone 470 3056 or email: ellena@wdc.govt.nz