30 Aug 2022

National disaster survivors pleased with new guidelines

From Morning Report, 8:17 am on 30 August 2022

Survivors of our biggest national disasters say new guidelines will better supporting families in the wake of future tragedies.

The new "Public Service Commission Model Standards" - to be released at parliament today - addresses what survivors say have been consistent shortcomings in the treatment by government agencies of those most closely affected by disaster.

The standards were co-authored by the Pike River Families Group after consulting with families of survivors caught up with events such as the earthquake and mosque shootings in Christchurch, the Aramoana massacre, the Cave Creek platform collapse and the Whakaari White Island eruption.

Sonya Rockhouse, who lost her son Ben in the Pike River mine explosion 12 years ago, spoke to Corin Dann.