Strategic Group Plan provides a blueprint for readiness, resilience, and relationships.

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  2. Strategic Group Plan provides a blueprint for readiness, resilience, and relationships.

When disaster strikes, it’s people who carry the load.

That’s why the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Strategic Group Plan 2025 – 2030 (the Plan) puts people at the centre — from marae and iwi, to councils, and community.

Developed in response to recent challenges like COVID-19 and the 2023 North Island Severe Weather Events, the Plan reflects a rohe (region) united by readiness, resilience, and relationships.

Waikato CDEM Group Joint Committee Chair Lou Brown said the Plan is more than a document, it sets out a bold, collaborative pathway to strengthen our rohe’s resilience.

“It’s a shared commitment to protect and prepare our communities, marae, hapu, iwi, and councils for the challenges ahead. The Plan reflects Waikato’s collective response to uncertainty and disruption. It is grounded in community values and built on collaboration,” said Cr. Brown.

“By bringing our diverse kete (baskets) of skills and knowledge together, we can work toward the common good. When we support one another, we strengthen the whole region. In this way, we work towards becoming a disaster resilient Waikato.”

The Plan was shaped through engagement with iwi, mana whenua, Māori representatives, Waikato-based councils, partner agencies, and the wider community. It includes:

  • a region-wide hazard risk assessment and analysis
  • alignment with the National Disaster Resilience Strategy
  • insights from community surveys and consultation feedback
  • annual Group Plan Actions.

The Group Plan Actions document outlines how we’ll deliver on our Strategic Group Plan 2025–2030.  

“These actions ensure we remain flexible and responsive to evolving policy settings, emergency environments, and community needs — including initiatives grounded in tikanga and mātauranga Māori,” said Cr Brown.

Formally adopted on 22 September 2025, the Plan is effective from 1 October 2025 and is scheduled to be reviewed in five years.

“We extend our thanks to all contributors whose insights and support have been vital in shaping a Plan that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all Waikato residents,” said Cr Brown.

Read the full Strategic Group Plan at waikatocivildefence.govt.nz/policy-and-plans