A new regional leadership group has been formed in Southland in response to the resurgence of Covid-19 in New Zealand.
Those responsible for leading the response in Southland have agreed to form a new regional leadership group to co-ordinate and manage this event.
The group brings together the Southland Mayoral Forum, Southland Civil Defence Joint Committee and the co-ordinating Executive Group. Southland Mayoral Forum chairman and Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks will chair the group.
Other key stakeholders and agencies involved are iwi, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, police, St John, the Southern District Health Board, Department of Conservation and Ministry of Social Development.
Mr Hicks said Covid-19 had brought an entire range of new challenges for both central and local government.
"We have seen a myriad of initiatives and problems being dealt with by many of our existing groups and agencies in the south.
"Having one entity to deal effectively with a Covid-19 resurgence is essential to minimising the impact of the virus."
He was confident the group was the best vehicle to support the All of Government response to Covid-19.
The group will be administered by Emergency Management Southland and controller Angus McKay welcomed its formation.
"Bringing together our key decision-makers helps guide my work as the person with the statutory role to co-ordinate any response in Southland.
"The group will ensure we have a joined-up approach."
