Silver Civil Defence Award for Taupo’s Phil Parker

Silver Civil Defence Award for Taupo's Phil Parker

25 February 2015

The man behind bolstering the Taupo District's Civil Defence and emergency management capability for almost three decades was last night presented with an award in Parliament recognising his service to the sector.

Taupo District Council's emergency manager Phil Parker was one of only four awardees to receive a 2015 Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) silver award which was presented by Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye at a special ceremony in Parliament House.

Ms Kaye said the awards recognised people who have been on the ground and in the thick of the action, as emergencies unfolded around them and who have worked tirelessly and passionately to build and improve local civil defence systems and processes.

Through their efforts, either as individuals or as a team, they have all helped make our communities safer and more resilient, she said.

The citation said Mr Parker's award was in recognition of his sustained and professional contribution to civil defence and emergency management and his community.

Phil has been a passionate advocate and practitioner of Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) for over 29 years at a local, regional and national level. He has played a prominent role in two statutory declarations in 2009, when Waihi Village was evacuated and when over 700 travellers stranded on the Napier/Taupo Highway were rescued and provided for over a four day period. Phil was also the primary local CDEM contact for other events such as eruptions at Ruapehu and Tongariro and the Ruapehu lahar, leading to assistance in establishing the Eastern Ruapehu Lahar Alarm and Warning System on Mt Ruapehu.

Phil is recognised by his colleagues across CDEM Groups as a source of tremendous knowledge and experience. When it comes to community application of CDEM and supporting initiatives, his work is an enduring success, the citation said.

Taupo District Council emergency management committee chairwoman Anna Park said Mr Parker's award was the first for the district and was a fitting tribute to Mr Parker's passion for the sector and commitment to his role.

Mayor David Trewavas echoed those sentiments and said Mr Parker had been a tremendous asset to the district. Mr Parker vacates his role to pursue other opportunities in early April.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz