5.2.2 Operational Planning Groups Readiness and Response Committee The Readiness and Response Committee is made up of members from every agency which could be involved in responding to a civil emergency. Current membership includes: Kiwirail Marlborough Lines Marlborough Roads Nelson Marlborough Health Public Health Marlborough District Council (3 waters and Environmental Health) Department of Conservation St John NZ Red Cross NZ Police MCDEM representative Coastguard NZ Wine NZ Biosecurity Port Marlborough NZ Defence Force Top of the South Rural Support Trust Harbour Master Marlborough CDEM Fire and Emergency New Zealand This Committee is chaired by the Controller and debriefs past emergencies and reviews operational plans. Members also share their work programmes, issues and concerns and pajoit opportunities to train and exercise and be involved in educational opportunities. New hazards and/or mitigation measures are also raised at these meetings. Welfare Coordination Group The WCG was established in 2016 and its purpose is to coordinate and support the delivery of welfare services by local authorities and agencies prior to, and during an emergency. The mandate for the establishment of a WCG is set out in the National CDEM Plan 2015 (section 65). The WCG, which is chaired by the CDEM Group Welfare Manager, ensures that welfare service delivery is planned, organised, integrated, coordinated and supported. Membership in the WCG enables welfare agencies to understand their roles and responsibilities across the 4Rs under the National CDEM Plan 2015, the CDEM Group Plan, and the Group Welfare Plan. For membership of the WCG note section 7.2.2. Top of the South Rural Support Trust The Trust is part of a nationwide network of Rural Support Trusts that can assist farming and rural families and their communities. It has access to networks, services, and government funding following an adverse event to help people in rural communities get back on their feet. The Trust employs a coordinator who supports CDEM during emergencies. It is independent of Government (both local and national), commercial interests, primary industries and party politics and is freely available to all in the rural community. Its objectives are: To create, implement and operate services to assist rural people with rehabilitation, debt facilitating and compromising with creditors. Provide service and support to assist rural people in difficult financial situations whether caused by adverse climate conditions or otherwise. Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan, 2017-2022 Page 38