Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist

  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

Clearly state your address and let the operator know it anyone is still inside or has not made it to the safe meeting place.

Emergency call 111 Emergency text 111

Northland LAC

Northland Local Advisory Committee - mihi mai rā.

 Read more about the members of the Northland Local Advisory Committee.

MITA HARRIS (Chair)

Mita works for the Ministry for Primary Industries as National Manager Operations for the Kauri Dieback Programme. Previously, he was Director of Māori Heritage at Pouhere Taonga Heritage New Zealand. His governance experience includes Chair of the Northland Conservation Board, Member of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, and Trustee of the Waitangi National Trust Board. Mita has also served on the Northern Rural Fire Committee in the Far North.


Read Mita's story
KĀRENA JOYCE-PAKI (Deputy Chair)
Kārena Joyce-Paki - Northland LAC

Ko Kārena he uri nō Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Ruanui, me Kūki ‘Āirani.

She is the Deputy Chair of the Northland Local Advisory Committee (LAC) and Senior Lead for the Strategic Engagements and Māori Partnerships Unit at Stats NZ. In this role, Kārena drives Māori community engagement and partnerships across Aotearoa.

Kārena has extensive governance experience, serving two terms as the first Māori elected to the Kaipara District Council and holding the position of Judicial Justice of the Peace. She is also the Mangai Hononga Māori Union representative for Stats NZ.

Her community service includes roles as Marriage Celebrant, Chairperson for Te Kura o Herewini Paka, Pou Whirinaki for Rangatahi Ora, and member/secretary for the Kaipara Hapū Advisory Komiti. Kārena also has 14 years of experience at the Department of Conservation, where she focused on treaty settlement portfolios, and now serves on the Te Tai Tokerau | Northland Conservation Board.
KATE ALEXANDER (Member)
Kate is the Independent Chair of Delta Produce Co-Op Ltd, Director of Telford Training Farm and Riversedge Ltd. A member of the Institute of Directors and Trustee of Tātai Trust, she has also held governance roles with Ravensdown Ltd, the Open Polytechnic, Northland Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers Governance Review Panel and Northland Agricultural Forum.
SHEILA TAYLOR (Member)
Sheila, of Ngāti Kahu and Ngā Puhi ki Whaingaroa descent, is an independent Te Ao Māori consultant in the public sector. Previously, she was Kaiārahi Kaupapa Māori for Northland Regional Council and has worked for Whangārei District Council, the Fire Service, Waitemata District Health Board and the Ministry of Fisheries. Sheila has also served as Treasurer for community groups including Tai Kotuku Inc, Tai Tokerau Polynesian Canoe Association, Tai Tokerau Touch and the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.
SARAH BENIKOWSKY (Member)
Sarah has a background in Information Management and Archives and currently works for the Far North District Council. She is a Guardian/Kaitiaki of the Alexander Turnbull Library and has served on the Disability Advisory Group for Whangārei District Council.
ISOPO SAMU (SAMU) (Member)
Samu leads Tokotoko Solutions, providing mentoring and education programmes for youth who have disengaged from education. He has a background in teaching, policing, community development, and business ownership, and has served as a Whangārei District Councillor and on the Child, Youth and Family Safety Panel. In 2022, his company received the Social Impact Award at the Northland Business Excellence Awards. Samu continues to support young people and families to rediscover their potential through education, training and employment.
KUBI WITTEN-HANNAH, JP (Member)
Kubi has worked in education since 1976 and served as a Career Counsellor for secondary schools since 2004. Now retired from full-time teaching, he works as a relief teacher. Kubi has over 30 years of volunteer firefighting experience, over 40 years as a surf lifesaver, and is a Justice of the Peace and Marriage Celebrant.
KRISTEEN PRANGLEY (Member)
Kristeen is a teacher, business owner, and volunteer firefighter with strong governance experience as the Presiding Member of Tinopai School Board and Chair of Tinopai Community Hall Society Inc. She led the Tinopai Community Response Plan and works closely with Council, iwi and Civil Defence. Highly trusted and deeply connected locally, Kristeen is a key community leader with strong engagement skills.
ADRIENNE TARI (Member)
  Adrienne is the Relationship Manager at Ngāti Rangi with extensive governance experience across multiple trusts and as Director of Waiwhariki Pharmaceuticals. Former General Manager of Pou Herenga Tai Cycle Trail Trust and Project Manager at Far North District Council, Adrienne is well-connected and active in regional initiatives. 
DEAN MYBURGH (Member)
Dean has extensive consulting experience in risk and emergency management in both the private and public sectors. He has held senior roles in local government and leadership / advisory positions with Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management (Co-ordinating Executive Group) and the inaugural Resilient Organisations research-focused organisation. Dean brings governance experience, strong networks and a unique perspective across business and social sectors.
SAPI-MERATA IULIANO (Member)
Sapi-Merata is the Partnerships Lead at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, overseeing strategic relationships across the Ministry's Northern region of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty. She brings extensive governance experience in marae, health, youth, and education sectors, and is deeply committed to advancing the wellbeing and aspirations of Pacific and Māori communities.
KATARAINA THOMPSON (Member)
Kataraina (Kati) is the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Adviser for Ngāti Hine Health Trust, responsible for safety systems and emergency planning across multiple services. She contributes to governance through Ngāti Hine’s Clinical Governance Group, her Whānau Ahu Whenua Trust, and as a member of the Northland Welfare Coordination Group. Kati brings strong regional connections and a grounded understanding of community risks and needs across iwi and health sectors.

The map below shows the area that the Northland LAC covers