2022 EMPA New Zealand award winners

EMPA New Zealand Awards for Excellence in Communication

The Annual EMPA Awards for Excellence in Emergency Communication have been established to recognise those who have made a significant contribution to emergency communications in New Zealand.

The New Zealand EMPA Awards for Excellence in Emergency Communications for 2022 were presented at the EMPA Conference Dinner in Wellington on Monday 17 October 2022.

For emergency communication - Readiness and Resilience

A project or activity that contributes to improved community preparedness and / or resilience.

Winner
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Wildfire Readiness

Kelley Toy, Fire and Emergency NZ, accepting the winner trophy and certificate from Minster Kieran McAnulty

Highly Commended
Fire and Emergency New Zealand | FCB New Zealand | FCB Media | TVNZ | NZME
Escape Week

Kelley Toy, Fire and Emergency NZ, accepting the certificate on behalf of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, FCB New Zealand, FCB Media, TVNZ, and NZME

For emergency communication - Recovery

Supporting the recovery of a community impacted by an emergency.

Winner
Marlborough District Council
Marlborough's Road to Recovery

Brian Paton, Marlborough Emergency Management, accepting the winner trophy and certificate from Minster Kieran McAnulty on behalf of Marlborough District Council

Highly commended
Massey University | Victoria University | University of Melbourne | Australian Red Cross
Recovery Capitals (ReCap) Resources

(from left) Dr Denise Blake, Victoria University, Emily Campbell, Massey University, and Prof David Johnston, Massey University, accepting the certificate on behalf of the collective

For emergency communication - Response

Communicating effectively during an emergency response.

Winner
Palmerston North City Council
WATER WOES - How we rallied our community to stop Palmy running out of water

(from left) Donna Baker, Olivia Wix, Lisa Wilde and Jessica Ballinger, Palmerston North City Council, with the winner trophy and certificate.

Highly commended
National Emergency Management Agency
Three tsunami in one day: Communicating life safety information to Aotearoa during the March 5 tsunami response

Anthony Frith, National Emergency Management Agency, accepting the certificate from Minster Kieran McAnulty

For published research that advances emergency communication by:

  • Improving community preparedness and/or resilience

  • Increasing the effectiveness of communication during an emergency response;

  • Enabling agencies to better support communities recovering from an adverse event.

Joint Winner
Scion
Adapting and mitigating wildfire risk due to climate change: extending knowledge and best practice

Lisa Langer, Scion, accepting the winner trophy and certificate from Minister Kieran McAnulty

Joint Winner
Dr Sara McBride & Dr Jessica Ball, US Geological Survey
#TheSmoreYouKnow and #emergencycute: A conceptual model on the use of humor by science agencies during crisis to create connection, empathy, and compassion

Dr Sara McBride (pictured) though unable to accept the award in person, presented on this project at the EMPA 2021 NZ Conference.  

For media

In-depth and balanced coverage of a topic that increases public understanding of a hazard or an emergency response.
Comprehensive and accurate reporting before or during an emergency response, contributing to public safety

Winner
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire gets real, fast! Seven Sharp Live Fire Burn

Lisa Chaplin, Fire and Emergency NZ, accepting the certificate on behalf of Fire and Emergency New Zealand