The Bay of Plenty's Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has appointed its first full-time Group Controller.

Clinton Naude was previously manager of the Group Emergency Management Office (GEMO) and now takes up the position of Regional Manager, Civil Defence Emergency Management, which incorporates the role of Group Controller.

Clinton Naude is the Bay of Plenty's new Civil Defence group controller.

He also spent 22 years policing in South Africa.

Clinton's other roles include working in the GEMO based at Bay of Plenty Regional Council since April 2009.

'He has been involved in numerous emergency events, including being deployed to Christchurch following the 2011 earthquake and the response to the Rena grounding near Tauranga,” says a statement released by the Bay of Plenty's Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

Clinton says the new role represented an increased focus on preparedness for emergencies throughout the country, triggered by the Canterbury earthquakes and other emergencies, including the Rena grounding. Previously, civil defence controllers were only part time in their role.

'There is a greater awareness around the country, and all councils are reviewing how they prepare and respond to emergencies.

'The new full-time role would clarify relationships and co-ordination both before and during an emergency.”

In an emergency a Group Controller is in charge of managing all the councils' response, co-ordinating people, information and resources during the emergency and advising local controllers.