Flooding flushes out more evidence of life in the Beehive

Buzz from the Beehive

Yes, there’s life – and the hint of ministerial hum – in the Beehive.

The latest announcement on the Beehive website deals with flood relief for Auckland:

Government steps up to assist Auckland during flooding

As the Mayor of Auckland has announced a state of emergency, the Government, through NEMA, is able to step up support for those affected by flooding in Auckland.

Twelve press releases have been posted on the Beehive website since January 1. That’s about one every two and a half days.

The latest statement – from Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty – was the fifth of those statements to deal with flood relief and emergency assistance.

The others are:

24 JANUARY 2023

Enhanced Task Force Green Approved following Cyclone Hale

16 JANUARY 2023

Government funding relief for flood-affected Wairarapa farmers and growers

13 JANUARY 2023

Government provides support to flooded Tairāwhiti communities

13 JANUARY 2023

Government support for flood-affected Gisborne Tairāwhiti farmers and growers

No speeches have been posted on the Beehive website since this one (when Jacinda Ardern was Prime Minister) on 14 December:

Prime Minister’s address to President Zelenskyy

The website does includes a record of Chris Hipkins first Post-Cabinet press conference (on 25 January) since he succeeded Ardern.

In his latest press statement, Kieran McAnulty urges people to follow the advice of authorities and check Auckland Emergency Management for the latest information.

“NEMA have been closely monitoring throughout the course of this event and we have now activated the National Coordination Centre in the Beehive to coordinate further assistance to the response.

We are expected to know, apparently, that NEMA is shorthand for the National Emergency Management Agency, the public service department responsible for providing leadership and support around national, local and regional emergencies.

It is an autonomous departmental agency hosted by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. McAnulty is the Minister.

He said:

“New Zealand Defence Force and NEMA have staff on the ground to help and further assess what more support can be given at this time.

“I’d like to acknowledge all the agencies whose staff are working hard to manage the impacts of this server weather. Stay safe and call 111 if you or anyone else is in danger”, said McAnulty.

Auckland Emergency Management has opened a Civil Defence Centre to assist those that have been displaced or need assistance following today’s severe weather. The centre is open now and is based at Saint Leonards Road School, 15 St. Leonards Road, Kelston.