Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity – the ‘VUCA’ model of the world – was highlighted repeatedly during the New Zealand Economics Forum at Waikato University. A fantastic event on our regional doorstep.
Steph O’Sullivan
Ironically, a week later we saw firsthand that resilience is not only a national challenge – it is fundamentally local in its execution and impact. In an era of increasing climate volatility, infrastructure stress and economic uncertainty, the role of local government in emergency event response has never been more critical.
Local government sits at the frontline of emergency response in New Zealand.
Councils are responsible for community safety, the protection of critical infrastructure, and the continuity of essential services during and after significant events. When major events occur, alongside iwi partners, it is local authorities that mobilise first – activating emergency operations centres, coordinating welfare support, managing infrastructure damage, and communicating with affected communities.
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger, right, in deep conversation with Waipā District Council chief executive Steph O’Sullivan on Maungauika Road near Pirongia after the floods Photo: Chris Gardner
The forum underscored the growing frequency and complexity of disruptive events and the economic consequences that follow.
These discussions reinforced that emergency response is not a short‑term operational issue, but a long‑term economic, environmental and social one. Decisions made in the immediate response phase have lasting implications for recovery, business continuity and community wellbeing.
Local government plays a unique bridging role between national frameworks and community realities. While central government provides legislative settings and funding mechanisms, councils translate these into practical action on the ground.
Downer’s Willy Chester, left, shows Waipā mayor Mike Pettit, chief executive Steph O’Sullivan and Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger the Maungauika Road bridge taken out by the St Valentine Day’s Storm. Photo: Chris Gardner
This includes working alongside iwi and hapū, coordinating with emergency services and lifeline utilities, and supporting local businesses and community organisations.
As a chief executive, emergency response is not theoretical. I have led through volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunami threats and evacuations, shipwreck restoration and the long tail of debris‑flow impacts.
Every time, the same pattern emerges. Local government is there. And every time, iwi are there too.
The forum’s wrap‑up video highlighted the importance of leadership, coordination and trust during times of uncertainty.
These qualities are tested most visibly during emergency events, when communities look to their councils for clarity, reassurance and decisive action. Trust is earned through preparedness, strong relationships and consistent engagement well before an event occurs.
Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
What I am curious about is not so much what was said at the forum, but what was absent. There was no mention of, or connection to, Te Arikinui Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, the Māori Queen’s recent Economic Forum, nor recognition of the indigenous economic leadership and scale of investment interests represented there, including the announcement of a significant Māori investment fund.
That absence matters.
As we consider the Big Choices for a Small Nation, we must be intentional and respectful about who consistently carries communities through disruption. If our economic conversations do not fully acknowledge iwi partnership and Māori economic leadership and innovation, they risk being incomplete. Because every time crisis hits, the reality is the same: local government shows up, and iwi open their doors.
Waipa District Council chief executive Steph O’Sullivan.
