Introducing Westland’s new Civil Defence Emergency Management Officer
My name is Katrina Renshaw, and I have just started with the West Coast Civil Defence Emergency Management Group as the Emergency Management Officer for Westland District.
I spent the last three and a half years working for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Wellington, where I supported the emergency management sector at the strategic level, and supported Response and Recovery efforts across New Zealand. When the opportunity arose to join the West Coast Emergency Management Team, I could not pass it up. I loving living in Hokitika and travelling up and down the Coast – it’s such an incredibly beautiful part of the country.
The West Coast faces a wide range of potential emergencies, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, cyclones, landslides, pandemics, and even wildfires – especially during dry summers like the one we’re experiencing. These natural hazards highlight the importance of being prepared. Across future editions of Westland Matters, we’ll share practical tips and resources to help you get ready.
From coordinating training sessions to providing resources or information, I’m here to help in any way I can. Over the coming months, I’ll be visiting each of the Civil Defence Community Groups across Westland to learn about the unique challenges you face. Together, we can create a more prepared and resilient Westland, so when the unexpected happens, we know how to respond.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out – I’d love to hear from you!
Warm regards,
Katrina Renshaw
Emergency Management Officer
West Coast Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
Text and photos: Katrina Renshaw
