Sumner and Taylors Mistake Emergency Response Plan and Network
Overview
The Sumner Emergency Plan has been developed as a collaborative community response to Civil Defence emergencies for the Sumner and surrounding area. The plan was designed in consultation with Civil Defence and local first responders including the Sumner Fire Brigade, Sumner Lifeboat Coastguard, Taylors Mistake and combined Search and Rescue Response team.Volunteer & Contact
We have a handful of skilled volunteers to run the Emergency Response Hub in the aftermath of a disaster, if it is needed. We are always in need of more people. If you would like to be involved, please fill in this form: Volunteer Sign‑Up Form or email us at [email protected].Local Hazards
As a seaside community nestled between two large hills, we are vulnerable to several hazards including earthquake, rockfall, tsunami, flooding, severe storms, and sea surge. Emergency events are predicted to become more frequent as climate change progresses.Prepare Your Household
It is important that you prepare your individual household, your children, and connect with neighbours and the community prior to a disaster to ensure safety. As a tight‑knit community we have many resources and skilled people we will call upon to support us during and after a disaster.
Emergency Response Hubs

The Sumner Community Centre at Matuku Takotako (14 Wakefield Ave, Sumner) will be the first point of contact and the main Emergency Response Hub site for anyone local or visiting who may need refuge or assistance during or after a disaster.
Address: 14/16 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner, Christchurch 8081
Primary Points of Contact if Communications Are Down
If You Need to Evacuate
Evacuation is essential in the event of a tsunami warning or if you feel a long and strong earthquake. Make a plan, prepare a grab bag, and choose a safe place above 20 m elevation such as Richmond Hill, Scarborough Hill, Evans Pass, or Clifton Hill. Walking or biking is advised to keep local vehicles available for less mobile and elderly people. If an emergency has been declared and it is safe and necessary, the local emergency response team will assist in setting up the Emergency Hub at the Community Centre. Other refuge points include the Sumner Lawn Bowls Club, Edith Cavell, or the Sumner Rugby Pavilion, which may be opened for emergency management and evacuation if required. The Hubs will be the main point of contact for Emergency First Responders. If it is safe to leave your dwelling, make your way to the main response hub at 14/16 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner, Christchurch 8081, or one of the other facilities if it is unable to open. Look out for the Community Emergency Hub signs. Please see the full Sumner Emergency Response Plan for more details.
Before an Emergency: Be Prepared
Emergency Grab Bags (Evacuation)
Prepare a grab bag for each household member with essentials like water, food, medications, warm clothing, and important documents.
Emergency Supplies for all household members
Ensure that you have Emergency Supplies at Home for 3 Days per person
More Information & Resources
- Christchurch City Council Civil Defence
- Get Ready (NEMA)
- Household Plan template: Make a Household Plan
- Video: How to fill out a Household Plan
- Planning for people with disabilities:
Local Radio Stations
Remember: if there is no power, use a battery‑powered or wind‑up radio to stay informed.- RNZ National Radio — 101.7 FM or 675 AM
- The Hits — 97.7 FM or 96.5 FM
- Newstalk ZB — 100.1 FM or 1098 AM
- More FM — 92.1 FM, 94.9 FM or 99.1 FM
- Magic — 99.3 FM or 738 AM
- The Breeze — 94.5 FM
- Plains FM — 96.9 FM
If Life or Property Is Threatened
ALWAYS dial 111
For local assistance contact the BCN office 03 323 9731, phone or text 021 280 6962 or 021 280 6067. Stay informed by following our Facebook Page.
