On a recent visit to the Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) headquarters, a delegation from the Community Resilience Network (CRN) Papakura was given an eye-opening behind-the-scenes look into how Auckland prepares for and responds to emergencies. Hosted by Senior Duty Officer Logan Matheson, the group gained firsthand insight into how the AEM operates, what it monitors, and what role communities like ours play in the bigger picture.
Special thanks to Senior Community Planning and Readiness Advisor, Anita Fraser, for setting up the visit.
What Is AEM and Why Does It Matter?
Auckland Emergency Management is part of Auckland Council and coordinates the city’s disaster response efforts across four pillars: Reduction, Readiness, Response, and Recovery. The goal is to mitigate risk, prepare communities, coordinate during disasters, and support long-term recovery.
As Matheson explained, “We’re like the eyes and ears of Auckland when it comes to emergency events—whether it’s a third-alarm fire, major flooding, or the risk of a volcanic eruption”.
Always On Alert
The Emergency Coordination Centre operates 24/7. Even when the status is “green”—meaning business as usual—staff are still monitoring weather, fault lines, air quality, emergency alerts, and incoming hazards. Currently, Auckland is in a “white” activation mode, meaning the AEM is observing potential threats, like recent weather warnings, while still carrying out daily duties.
Technology and Teamwork
CRN attendees were impressed by the walls of digital dashboards and weather overlays, where staff track live feeds from rain gauges, cameras, and seismic sensors. These tools allow officers like Matheson to anticipate threats before they escalate. In one instance, a live fire response was coordinated while staff monitored potential pollution and health impacts from smoke.
Beyond tech, Matheson emphasized coordination: “If we move from ‘white’ to ‘yellow’ or ‘red,’ we trigger internal assessments and call together key decision-makers—council staff, emergency services, MetService, and even power providers—to make real-time decisions.”
The Role of Community
Matheson was clear: communities are the first responders. In a major event, official agencies may take days to reach every neighborhood. Local groups, marae, schools, churches, and community emergency hubs will be essential to managing welfare, shelter, information-sharing, and immediate support.
He encouraged CRN and other groups to build up their communication channels, prepare information-gathering systems, and establish roles ahead of time: “Be the people your neighbors come to for help—and for updates.”
Practical Advice for Residents
- Learn the emergency colour codes (green, white, yellow, orange, red)
- Bookmark the AEM website and follow official alerts
- Know your nearest emergency hub or civil defence centre
- Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 3–5 days
- Talk to your neighbors and make a street plan
- Don’t wait for permission to evacuate—trust your instincts and official alerts
A Call to Action
This visit was a timely reminder of the importance of grassroots preparedness. As Papakura continues to grow—and face the increasing risks of climate change, urbanisation, and extreme weather—the role of community-led resilience becomes even more vital.
The CRN delegation returned inspired to strengthen local emergency plans, host readiness events, and work even more closely with AEM to ensure Papakura is ready for anything.
To learn more about how you can get involved or host your own preparedness event, visit https://crnpapakura.org/ or follow CRN on social media.
