13 Apr 2023

Auckland Councillor on review into flood management

From Morning Report, 6:45 am on 13 April 2023

Weak systems, poor communications and lack of leadership are just some of the wide-ranging criticisms of the Auckland Council's response to the devastating Anniversary weekend floods, back in late January.

An independent review, headed by former Police Commissioner Mike Bush, found a lack of preparedness in the council's emergency management system and that senior leaders under-estimated the need to be visible and communicate with the public.

It also found the council's emergency management team lacked command, crisis leadership skills and operational experience.

The report says the council should have declared a state of emergency sooner.

Auckland councillor Richard Hills spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.