New Civil Defence Centre at Camp Raukawa

Published on 23 August 2017

23 August 2017

Camp Raukawa, north of Whanganui, has become an official Civil Defence Centre to provide a safe place for residents and travellers during an emergency.

Civil Defence Centres are opened as required in an emergency and the public is informed of locations by radio, internet or other means.

Both the YMCA, which runs the venue near Raukawa Falls, and Whanganui District Council’s Emergency Management Team see the designation as a positive development as its location and significant infrastructure provide a much-needed facility in Whanganui’s rural area. The camp is about 60km north of Whanganui and 30km south of Raetihi on State Highway 4.

Camp Raukawa is used for school camps, community and church groups, business retreats and events. It has an A-grade commercial kitchen which can feed up to 200 people, a large dining room, accommodation for more than 100 people in cabins and a small hall which could be used for marae-style accommodation. There is room for tents and motorhomes and ample shower and toilet blocks. All staff also have First Aid Certification.

“We have been looking for a suitable centre in our rural area and Camp Raukawa is perfect,” says Emergency Management Officer Anthony Edwards.

“It is located in the midst of a remote farming community and the middle of the inland alternative route to the Central Plateau. This scenic and popular road can be isolated during weather events because of slips. The provision of a well-resourced Civil Defence Centre such as Camp Raukawa as a location available for stranded motorists, tourists and affected rural community members has been shown to be useful multiple times over,” says Mr Edwards.

If the Camp Raukawa Civil Defence Centre is activated, there will be clear road signage for those travelling on the road.

While there is no cellphone coverage, wi-fi is available and a telephone line. A VHF radio has been installed as part of the Civil Defence network. Three large water tanks provide filtered drinking water and four other tanks provide water for bathroom amenities. If power is cut, there is heating from a large woodburner and an outdoor fire pit which has an all-year permit. Barbeques can also provide cooking facilities.

“The ability of a Civil Defence Centre to comfortably provide good accommodation and amenities in adverse situations helps reduce stress on those affected, particularly those with young families and those who are visitors or travelling through,” Mr Edwards says.

Camp Director Robyn Mann says the YMCA is delighted to have this designation.
“Camp Raukawa is in a safe and secure location and has a team that is ready to help in an emergency. We have already welcomed travellers who are unfamiliar with the road and have felt safer stopping if the weather deteriorates or as it becomes dark. The road can be challenging if you are not used to driving in those conditions,” Mrs Mann says.

For more information about Camp Raukawa (5163 State Highway 4), visit www.ymcacentral.org.nz

What is a Civil Defence Centre?
A Civil Defence Centre (CDC) can provide food, clothing and shelter in an emergency, easy access to support and information on welfare services and information about response and recovery activities. It can also be used as a central location for social services following an emergency.
Whanganui District has 14 Civil Defence Centres. For a full list of centres, visit www.whanganui.govt.nz/civil-defence-centres

During an emergency, Civil Defence will let the community know which centres are open. It is best to wait for this information as the centre closest to you may not be open due to safety or community requirements.  

For Civil Defence Centre information during an emergency, visit the Council Facebook page: facebook.com/WhanganuiDistrictCouncil and our website: www.whanganui.govt.nz
Information is also broadcast directly from Civil Defence in Whanganui via:
•    Brian FM Whanganui - 91.2FM
•    Brian FM Taihape - 93.2FM
•    Brian FM Raetihi - 90.2FM
•    ReelWorld Radio Whanganui - 92.0FM
•    Brian FM’s Whanganui web stream at www.brianfm.com

Emergency information is also broadcast on:
•    National Radio - 567AM/101.6FM
•    NewstalkZB - 1197AM
•    The Hits - 89.6FM
•    More FM - 92.8FM
•    Radio Live - 96FM
•    Awa FM - 100FM

 

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