Wanganui's Civil Defence organisation relies on the contribution of many volunteers during a Civil Defence event.

Wanganui's Civil Defence organisation relies on a dedicated team of volunteers in an emergency.

2001 is the International Year of Volunteers, a United Nations-designated year devoted to the promotion, recognition, networking and facilitation of volunteers and volunteerism worldwide.

The Council's Emergency Manager Max Benseman says volunteers are a key part of Wanganui's Civil Defence team.

"Many of our volunteers are involved in the welfare team which deals with people who have to be evacuated during an emergency," Max said.

"We also have a 15-person rescue team which is totally made up of volunteers, plus there are rural people who operate radios and Council staff who volunteer to be part of the Civil Defence team.

"Some of our volunteers are aligned to organisations, such as Citizens Advice, Victim Support and Salvation Army, but others are individuals who are willing to make a commitment to Civil Defence."

There is also a focus on school boards of trustees and neighbourhood support groups to assist with Civil Defence in their areas.

"We really appreciate the time that our volunteers give up to help us during an emergency and to attend training," Max said.

"We expect them to be available at a moment's notice; we expect them to provide a professional service even though they are amateurs; and we always hope that we are not going to have an emergency and need to call on their services. But when we do need them, we know we can rely on them to get on with the job.

"The volunteers also get a lot out of helping us. They get a sense of achievement, feel they are contributing to their community and have a great camaraderie. They have the opportunity to mix with people they might not otherwise meet.

"In reality, everyone is a Civil Defence volunteer because we each have a responsibility to look after ourselves in the community."

For more information, contact Max Benseman, phone 349 0001 or email maxb@wanganui.govt.nz.

The Council is doing its bit to conserve electricity and encourages other businesses and residents to do the same. Energy Minister Pete Hodgson has asked us to do what we can to help stave off the looming power supply crisis and the Council has made a commitment to save as much energy as possible while ensuring that essential services are retained. We are looking at areas where the Council can make large power savings without compromising safety and security. However, every bit counts so we are also conserving energy in our offices and homes.

Some of the ways we are saving power in our offices are:

• Turn off computers (including screens), printers and photocopiers at the end of the day, even if they have a power saving mode.
  
• Turn off lights if they will be out of the room for half an hour or more.
  
• Use the stairs instead of the lift.
  
• Turn off desk lamps when away from desk.
  
• Use heaters sparingly, particularly electric fan heaters.
  
• Turn off tea makers at the end of the day.

At home we can:

• Turn off televisions, videos, stereos and other appliances at the wall.
  
• Do laundry with cold water and dry on outside clothesline.
  
• Have a shower rather than a bath.
  
• Don't leave lights on if they are not needed.
  
• Only heat the room you are in and eliminate draughts.

We encourage you to join us in trying to save electricity so we can avoid power blackouts.