On the 1st December 2019 New Zealand’s Civil Emergency department was transformed into the National Emergency Management Response – NEMA for short. A week later, White Island erupted on December 9th.
Some Australians are praising New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her classy response to the White Island volcano disaster. Oh, it’s a class act all right.
I wonder what they’d think if they learned that after the volcano erupted, the emergency services were told not to respond. The first responders were ordinary New Zealanders – real heroes. They’re the ones who acted. The NZ Government had nothing to do with it – although they’ve taken the credit.
After Whakaari/White Island, it’s up to us to save ourselves
Whakaari/White Island and, inset, helicopter pilot Mark Law, who flew to the island to help as soon as he heard of the eruption.
OPINION: “The tragedy at Whakaari/White Island last week exposed a growing institutional cowardice among emergency services, particularly police, that affects their usefulness to citizens.
When the eruption occurred, and the emergency calls started on Monday afternoon, police and rescue services decided that they would not head to the island to help.
It was left to my fellow citizens to respond with māia (courage). Those nearby, and back on the mainland, reacted instantly and humanely. They ran, flew, and sped by boat toward the danger.
Politicians and officials have praised these as “first responders”. Their use of the phrase was a dishonest attempt to hide that these people were not official first responders, but ordinary people.”
Read more – Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/118219897/after-whakaariwhite-island-its-up-to-us-to-save-ourselves
Risk aversion
A man would tell the leadership to “grow a pair” and respond. To “grow a pair” is to tell someone they don’t have the balls, that they SHOULD have to do something “manly” But this feminist led leadership isn’t configured to “grow a pair.”
Finding NEMA
Where was NEMA? Perhaps they were paralysed by OSH – another stifling government department called “Occupational Health and Safety,” which is also led by a woman. I guess we’ll have to ask Jacinda, our prime minister.
The head of the newly formed NEMA is Carolyn Schwalger, from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, New Zealand.
It’s not a good look for the New Zealand government.
12 Dec 2019, aftermarth:
White Island eruption – What police boat was doing so close to shore
“Police initially refused to reveal the boat’s specific activities so close to the island when asked for information by Newshub, saying it was “providing whatever support was required.” A spokesperson stressed no individual stepped foot on the island.
However, on Thursday, after Police Minister Stuart Nash blasted police communication and called for greater transparency during the eruption aftermath, police confirmed the boat was the launch site for drones.”
Links
NEMA
‘How good is Jacinda Ardern’: People applaud NZ PM.
White Island eruption: The ‘distressing’ aftermath described by first responder Mark Law
Red Sky in the morning 
Reblogged this on Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch.