A boil water is in place for businesses and properties across Queenstown following a number of confirmed local cases of illness caused by the protozoa, cryptosporidium. This affects all properties serviced by the Council’s Queenstown supply including Frankton, Quail Rise and Tucker Beach Rd, Kelvin Heights and Hanley’s Farm. Read more here.

The state of local emergency in Queenstown, originally declared on Friday morning after a severe weather event, has been lifted. However, some restrictions will remain in place to protect public safety as the focus turns to recovery. Full information here.

Community Response Groups

Are you interested in helping your community in an emergency?

Community Response Groups are local groups made up of volunteers who support their community before, during, and after an emergency event.

There are approximately 15 groups spread across the district, based on geographical boundaries, such as rivers, bridges, or suburbs. The groups are at different stages of development – some have been up and running for a couple of years, while others are just finding their feet.

The groups are encouraged to support their community in an emergency event by setting up a Community Emergency Hub and helping to solve problems locally where they can. In a major disaster civil defence and first responders will be overwhelmed, supporting those who need help the most, as well as working to re-establish vital networks such as roading, telecommunications, and power. Community Response Groups will help reduce pressure on emergency services and the wider response.

While the groups are community-led, they also receive training from Emergency Management Otago. Training includes setting up a Community Emergency Hub, operating radios, and community response planning.

To find out more, or to join a group, please contact:

craig.gibson@otagocdem.govt.nz

jacqui.lambeth@otagocdem.govt.nz

tasha.black@otagocdem.govt.nz