What’s with iwi taking over Civil Defence for Waikohu?

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

For as long as I can remember it has always been Waikohu Civil Defence and part of the Tairāwhiti Civil Defence network. I tried to find it recently and found that it has changed its name! Since Cyclone Gabrielle it appears that the Waikohu Civil Defence has been “hijacked” by the Māhaki iwi. What is the reason?

The new name Māhaki Tiaki Tangata doesn’t instil inclusivity to the Te Karaka area, in my opinion. Anyone seeing this name would automatically assume that this is for iwi only and wonder what happens to the rest of the community who are not affiliated to an iwi, and where would they find information regarding any Civil Defence emergency affecting their area? (For those asking, I’m of Ngāi Tahu descent.)

Does this new rebranded group still work with Tairāwhiti CDEM or are they a separate entity supporting themselves? Does this new entity still want all the resources that Tairāwhiti CDEM can provide, even though they have appeared to have distanced themselves from the main hub?

From what I have heard, there was no consultation with the community about a change and the Māhaki iwi is now running it.

Did Tairāwhiti CDEM not do enough?

Disappointed also to know that GDC or Tairawhiti CDEM didn’t recognise the efforts of their volunteer CD coordinators and volunteer emergency services personnel in the region either, during this time. Just a select few whose community valued their efforts during the difficult time and nominated them for civic awards.

Allyce Brindley, Waikato