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

Otago LAC

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Otago Local Advisory Committee - mihi mai rā.

Otago LAC committee in front of a fire appliance

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

NEIL GILLESPIE (Chair)
Neil is a Deputy Mayor of Central Otago District Council and Community Relations Project Manager at Contact Energy. He also serves as Chief Fire Officer for the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade, blending civic, emergency and energy sector leadership.
SIOUX REPANGA (Deputy Chair)
  Sioux is a consumer advocate with extensive governance experience focused on accessibility and inclusion. Their background spans health, disability, Safeguarding Adults at risk, research and social development, including roles at Whaikaha, University of Otago, VisAble and Ministry of Social Development. Sioux serves on Mercy Hospital Quality and Assurance Board, The NZ Occupational Therapy Board’s Consumer Group, Your Way Kia Roha's National Disability Leadership Group and Flying Kites Advisory Board, with prior leadership at Ministry of Social Development and other community initiatives.
HELEN ALGAR (Member)
Helen is a Community Development Facilitator for Waitaki District Council, Deputy Chair of Waitaki District Health Services and Executive Committee Member for Waitaki Multicultural Council. Her governance experience spans Age Concern Otago, Waitaki Multicultural Council and previous national board roles. Helen received the Queen’s Service Medal in 2008 and is a White Ribbon NZ Ambassador.
HILARY MCNAB (Member)
Hilary McNab Hilary is a former Clutha District Councillor and has held roles in multiple local organisations, including Catlins Medical Centre and Rural Women NZ. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to sustainable community development in rural Otago.
MANDY MAYHEM-BULLOCK (Member)
Mandy is a Deputy Chair of Keep Dunedin Beautiful and involved in emergency preparedness initiatives through Civil Defence and Red Cross. She is also an elected member of the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and actively coordinates local events and training.
ALI MCINTYRE (Member)
Ali McIntyre is the Community and Stronger Waitaki Lead at Waitaki District Council, leading collective impact initiatives to strengthen community wellbeing. With a background in community engagement and education, she brings expertise in resilience planning, governance, and inclusive leadership. Ali also serves as a Trustee of Neighbourhood Support Otago, and is nationally recognised for advancing diversity and community-led solutions.
EROLIA ETEUATI-ROONEY (Member)
Erolia was the Inaugural Regional Director, Pacific Health Waipounamu at Health NZ. Erolia currently holds governance roles in the Health NZ - Te Waipounamu Regional Consumer Council, the Otago Polytechnic Pacific Advisory Committee and the Lupe Faalele a Samoa I Otago Inc. She was previously on the Medical Science Council; the Medical Science Secretariat; and the WellSouth Board. She brings deep Pacific health expertise and strong community connections across Dunedin.
VANESSA VAN UDEN, ONZM (Member)
VANESSA VAN UDEN Vanessa is an experienced director and former Mayor of Queenstown Lakes. She has contributed to numerous boards including Waka Kotahi, Shaping our Future Inc, Pivotal Point and Queenstown Lakes Baby Box Trust. Vanessa is a member of the Institute of Directors and received an ONZM in 2017 for her services to local government.
RACHEL COOPER (Member)
RACHEL COOPER

Rachel is a Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministry for the Environment and a board member for Protect Our Winters Aotearoa. With a background in climate science, she was selected for the Homeward Bound international leadership programme and is committed to sustainability and resilience.
NATHAN PITCHER (Member)
Nathan is a senior governance and business leader with over 25 years’ experience across public, private, and community sectors across Aotearoa New Zealand. He recently completed long-serving governance roles as Board Director of Otago Cricket Association and Chair/President of Otago Badminton Association and is currently a Trustee of the Dunedin Masters Games Trust. He is passionate about supporting active communities and improving wellbeing.

The map below shows the area that the Otago LAC covers

Local Area Committee boundary map - Otago