Vulnerable Groups Those in the population who are particularly vulnerable during a CDEM emergency include: People with disabilities or other health conditions. Older people who are isolated or in poor health. Children in schools or child care. People with English as a second language, including RSE staff and their employers. Domestic and international visitors. People in isolated communities, especially in coastal areas. People living in low-income households or who are homeless Business owners. Marlborough is a preferred location for people to retire and has the highest proportion of people aged over 65 years in New Zealand. This age group makes up over 20% of the total population of Marlborough while the Auckland Region is at the other end of the scale with over 65s being only 11.5%. National statistics indicate that about 38% of those over 65 years also live on their own. As previously noted there are significant numbers of international visitors and workers in Marlborough throughout the year. An example of their vulnerability was during the Seddon earthquakes when the Ni-Vanuatu vineyard workers understood earthquakes resulted in tsunami and acted accordingly although no threat existed. Cruise ships coming into Picton with overseas tourists can double or treble the local population and this can result in both them and the residents being exposed to potential hazards through natural events as well as biosecurity issues. There are a number of small isolated communities throughout the Marlborough Sounds and inland valleys. These communities generally have a resilient nature however they are vulnerable to natural hazards. 2.3.2 Built Environment Land Use The 2013 census showed that Marlborough had 21,158 dwellings of which a high proportion were unoccupied at 3,960 or 22%. Of these 2,313 are in the Sounds which will mostly be baches and holiday homes. Marlborough has a higher home ownership rate than the rest of New Zealand with 71% compared to 65% with the remainder as rental properties. There were 6,783 business locations (geographic units) in Marlborough, which is an increase of less than 1% since 2006, employing 20,680 paid employees. Woodbourne RNZAF Base Woodbourne is located 8km west of Blenheim and is the Air Force's training support base. Units at Woodbourne are responsible for the training of recruits, initial officer training, trade training and command training. The Ground Training Wing was created in 1995 from existing units at Woodbourne and those relocated from Wigram and Hobsonville. Also at Woodbourne is the Air Force's only heavy maintenance facility for the repair of aircraft airframes, engines and avionics systems. This unit was commercialised in 1998 and is now managed by Safe Air Ltd. With a typical student population, Woodbourne has personnel strength of around 1,250 and is an important training area for the RNZAF. Telecommunications In Marlborough 82% of households have access to a cell phone and 75% have access to the Internet. Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan, 2017-2022 Page 19