Caption: New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) chief executive officer Mr. Dave Gawn receives a gift from the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka after their recent bilateral meeting at the Beehive in Wellington, New Zealand.
SUVA – Key priority areas for support were top on the agenda during a recent bilateral meeting between members of the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s senior management and the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Wellington.
Led by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, the Ministry’s delegation was well received by NEMA chief executive officer Mr. Dave Gawn and team at the Beehive.
Speaking during the bilateral meeting, Minister Ditoka highlighted that four key priority areas that the Ministry would appreciate the assistance of partners such as NZ, included capacity building and training, technological and technical assistance, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and regional cooperation.
“We recognise that the training programmes and capacity-building initiatives facilitated by NEMA NZ can significantly improve the skills and preparedness of our NDMO staff. We seek your agreement to a peer exchange of knowledge and best practices, particularly during our participation in joint exercises and simulations. Also, NEMA NZ’s provision of advanced technologies and innovative methodologies will greatly enhance our early warning systems and response mechanisms. We request support through technical assistance that would enable us to adopt and integrate these technologies effectively, ensuring that we are better equipped to handle emergencies,” Hon. Ditoka highlighted.
“We request the deployment of your officials to support us during major disasters. This assistance would enhance our ability to provide immediate help to affected communities. Lastly, we need more regional exercises to draw strength from each other. This regional cooperation strengthens our collective ability to respond to disasters and supports our neighbours in times of need.”
Hon. Ditoka also acknowledged the support extended by NZ NEMA to the Fiji NDMO over the years, emphasising that our collaboration in disaster management and resilience building has not only fortified our nations’ readiness but also strengthened our bonds as Pacific neighbours.
Minister Ditoka was also joined by Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mr. Isoa Talemaibua, the four Divisional Commissioners, Director National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Ms. Vasiti Soko, and Director Corporate Services Mrs. Anaseini Tora at the meeting. The team went on a weeklong visit to NZ in June this year at the invitation of NZ NEMA for a peer-to-peer learning and consultation.
Caption: Members of the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s senior management led by Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka with New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) chief executive officer Mr. Dave Gawn at the NZ National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington, New Zealand.
Caption: Director NDMO Ms. Vasiti Soko (right) with Director NZ NEMA Mr. John Price at the NZ National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington, New Zealand.
