Simpson Scott: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSimpson Scott: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 17 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2267. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister of Civil Defence: What reports has she received on the impact of Tropical Cyclone Pam on New Zealand?Hon NIKKI KAYE (Minister of Civil Defence): Over the last few days I have received regular updates on both the preparations and response of agencies to the potential impact of tropical Cyclone Pam. Rain wind and heavy swells have caused some damage on the East Coast of the North Island. Very high winds over 140 kilometres per hour heavy rain power cuts large swells slips and road closures have all been reported in affected areas. There has been coastal erosion and flooding of houses in beach communities in the East Cape and southern Hawke’s Bay. More than 100 people were evacuated. They either stayed with family and friends or received support for temporary accommodation. The effects of Cyclone Pam are still being felt in the Chatham Islands.Scott Simpson: How did communities across New Zealand prepare for Cyclone Pam?Hon NIKKI KAYE: Over the last few days civil defence staff and volunteers have been working hard to prepare for possible severe weather. Several excellent examples of local preparedness were in the East Coast where the Defence Force the New Zealand Fire Service St John Ambulance the district health board and local roading and network services moved extra people and equipment into various townships to help keep people safe; and the Hawke’s Bay civil defence groups visited coastal communities in Haumoana and Te Awanga and went door to door to offer advice. Some households were evacuated on Sunday as a precaution. I would like to personally thank all of the volunteers and civil defence staff across New Zealand who have done such a great job. In particular I want to acknowledge Gisborne for their comprehensive planning. As with other emergencies over the last few years I have constantly been impressed with how local authorities emergency services and welfare groups have assisted communities to deal with these events.Scott Simpson: What support has been provided to the Chatham Islands in preparation for the arrival of the severe weather?Hon NIKKI KAYE: On Sunday evening the Chatham Islands controller requested additional civil defence support. At the time I personally spoke with the chief executive of the Chatham Islands. By early Monday morning three civil defence staff had been deployed from Christchurch. Yesterday the Mayor of the Chatham Islands declared a state of local emergency to strengthen the island’s ability to respond to the cyclone as well as several rural fires that were stretching its resources. The islands are currently experiencing severe weather including heavy rain and high winds. I expect to receive an update shortly on the impact on the Chatham Islands. I also expect to speak to the mayor later today. I can confirm that the National Crisis Management Centre is currently activated. Government agencies are ready to further help the people of the Chatham Islands if they need it.