Submissions

To: Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management
Date: May 2025

Purpose

This submission’s primary purpose is to advocate for the explicit and comprehensive inclusion of disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori within the plan, ensuring that all phases of emergency management (reduction, readiness, response, recovery) are disability-inclusive and rights-based. DPA aims to address the current lack of specific mention of disabled people in the document and ensure their disproportionate vulnerabilities during emergencies are adequately planned for.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA is pleased to provide feedback on the Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Strategic Plan Review. Citing UNCRPD Article 9 on situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies, DPA notes that while some disabled people in Waikato received support during Cyclone Tam, a significant proportion did not, raising concerns.

DPA praises the plan's comprehensive approach but highlights the concerning lack of explicit mention of disabled people, often grouped vaguely under "vulnerable populations". DPA emphasizes that disabled people are disproportionately affected in emergencies due to barriers in communication, evacuation, inaccessible shelters, reliance on support networks, health needs, and a lack of inclusive planning processes.

DPA highlights that 11.4% (89,000 people) of Waikato residents identify as disabled. Disabled people, particularly Māori, are disproportionately affected by homelessness and poor housing, facing a severe shortage of accessible housing, which exacerbates their vulnerability during natural disasters. DPA recalls instances where disabled people were unable to return to their homes for months after the 2023 storms.

DPA stresses that current barriers in emergencies include poor communication and a lack of embedded accessibility across the "4 Rs" (Reduction, Readiness, Response, Recovery). The plan currently lacks specific commitments to accessible emergency messaging (e.g., NZSL, Easy Read, screen-reader friendly), disability-inclusive risk assessments, involving disabled people and their organizations in planning, accessible infrastructure/evacuation, and addressing health-related needs.

DPA strongly recommends that disability community members, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) be invited to join Emergency Management advisory groups, Coordinating Executive Group working groups, and community resilience planning efforts. They cite an example from the Covid-19 pandemic where the Waikato District Health Board struggled to locate and support disabled people due to uncoordinated planning. DPA also calls for collaborative partnerships with disability-focused central government agencies and service providers.

DPA advocates for practical support measures, including running disabled people-led workshops on emergency preparedness, similar to their 'Be Emergency Prepared!' workshops in Christchurch and Dunedin. DPA supports the creation and management of a voluntary register of disabled people and those with health conditions by Waikato CDEM, to identify locations, specific needs, and emergency contacts for easier support and evacuation. They suggest deploying accessible shuttles and transport options in emergencies, noting an instance where disabled people were evacuated by tow truck due to lack of suitable alternatives.

DPA recommends collaboration to help disabled people find accessible temporary housing after disasters. Lastly, DPA recommends the WRC continue its investment in flood prevention work, recognizing its importance in protecting accessible homes during natural disasters.

Key Recommendation/Finding:

That the plan includes specific commitments to accessible emergency communications, planning in partnership with disabled people, and ensuring all emergency systems are accessible for everyone.

Supporting Statement 1:

The current draft plan, despite its general commitment to inclusive and community-led approaches, notably lacks explicit references to accessible emergency messaging (e.g., NZSL, Easy Read), disability-inclusive risk assessments, and the direct involvement of disabled people and their representative organizations in planning processes.

Supporting Statement 2:

“Disabled people must be at the heart of action on climate change. Not only do we have a lot to lose and a lot to gain, but we can bring invaluable problem-solving and leadership skills.”