The Role of Civil Defence

Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) is responsible for reducing risk, being ready for, responding to and recovering from emergencies within their local territorial authorities. The delivery of this is supported regionally within Waikato, and nationally via the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Civil Defence Emergency Management in Matamata-Piako

Within our district boundary, Emergency Management is administered by Matamata-Piako District Council in collaboration with:
• The other District, City and Regional Councils within the Waikato Region (notably Hauraki and South Waikato).
• Emergency Services (NZ Police, Fire and Emergency, Hato Hone St. John and Te Whatu Ora Health NZ).
• Lifeline Utilities and Essential Infrastructure (Power, Water, Roading, Telecommunications, Fuel and Gas etc.)
• Local organisations, Welfare providers, and community groups within Matamata-Piako.

ShakeOut

ShakeOut is a national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi (evacuation walk) that takes place once per year, usually in October, to help remind our citizens of the right actions to take during an earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold. We encourage our local communities, schools, marae, business and organisations to register here, as you can go in the draw to win emergency preparedness prizes nationally, and within the Waikato Region.

This year's ShakeOut is scheduled for Wednesday 21 October at 1.30pm 2026.