Ron Mark MP
New Zealand First Deputy Leader
List MP based in Wairarapa

15 NOVEMBER 2016

GOVERNMENT FAILS TO LEARN FROM CHRISTCHURCH QUAKE

Lessons that should have been learned from the Christchurch earthquake were not implemented in this week’s disastrous earthquake, says New Zealand First Deputy Leader Ron Mark.

“The 111 phone line and Civil Defence site crashed and delays occurred in sounding tsunami warning sirens in Christchurch beach suburbs and other parts of the country

“Acting Minister of Civil Defence Gerry Brownlee said in Parliament today it was ‘concerning’ that the 111 phone line was off for 30 minutes after a building had to be evacuated and a switchover was not made to another site.

“It is more than ‘concerning’ – it is deeply serious that the 111 system was in an unsafe building in the first place.

“Mr Brownlee said tsunami warnings rested with the local authorities and it was a new experience that we could learn from.

“This is not good enough.

“In the end the civil defence of this country rests with the government and they must ensure it functions competently to meet crises that occur.

“On Monday they failed,” Mr Mark says.

ENDS