21 May 2009

Trans-Tasman Civil Defence agreement signed

2:41 pm on 21 May 2009

A trans-Tasman agreement being signed on Thursday will make it quicker and easier for Civil Defence in New Zealand and Australia to help each other in a national disaster.

The agreement between the Civil Defence and the Emergency Management Ministry and the Australian Attorney-General's department will see a 24-hour hotline maintained between the countries if either needs help.

The agreement formalises arrangements which allow Civil Defence staff and materials into either country in an emergency.

Given New Zealand's hazards and isolation, ministry director John Hamilton says it is important to have support on hand and ready to help if needed.

He says few countries can respond on their own to a national disaster.