Civil Defence controllers ‘untrained’

Press, 2 December 1981, Page 14

Civil Defence controllers ‘untrained’

PA Wellington Most of New Zealand’s 115' Civil Defence controllers are not properly trained to manage disaster relief, says the Director of Civil Defence, Manager-General Robin Holloway. General Holloway is writing to regional and united councils as well as the 115 controllers urging them tc train in disaster relief. “To expect untried and unpractised Civil Defence organisations to work properly in a crisis, with experienced controllers at the helm, is too much of a gamble. Regrettably throughout New Zealand this is too often the case,” he said. General Holloway said the big problem was a lack of experience and training, from controllers to head-

quarters staff and wardens. He was particularly concerned about the ability of Civil Defence controllers to direct relief operations in a civil defence emergency. “Controllers are given major responsibilities and powers in civil defence emergencies. But they cannot really be expected to take this on without being trained for the job, especially as many of them will be depending on a totally un; trained organisation to support them.” It was up to the regional and united councils to urge local Civil Defence organisations to institute regular training and practice.