Crisis management in Crosswell's field

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The Tairāwhiti region of the East Coast Rural Support Trust has appointed Vicki Crosswell as its coordinator to assist with recovery in the aftermath of cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.

The trust is set up to work with the rural community and assist people and their families who have experienced any adverse events — financial, climatic, or personal — or who require access to wellness services to more effectively meet and overcome difficulties.

Vicki Crosswell has replaced Pania King, who resigned at the end of 2022, but immediately swung back into action when Hale hit in January.

Mrs King continues helping with the cyclone recovery.

“We gratefully acknowledge the time Pania spent with us,” a trust spokesman said.

“She joined us in May last year, replacing long-time coordinator David Scott. “Vicki comes to us very highly recommended, from 11 years with Police Victim Support, where she was the service coordinator for Wairoa, Gisborne and Ngati Porou.

“In that role she led the Victim Support in their work strengthening the mana and caring for the wellbeing of people affected by crime, trauma, and suicide,” the trust spokesman said.

“She was also heavily involved in the crisis response management after the Christchurch mosque attack, and the Whakaari White Island eruption.

“Both Victim Support and RST are similar in that most of their work is highly confidential, and so they largely work under the radar.

“She is described as being committed, enthusiastic, well connected, and dedicated to her work.”

Her immediate task, alongside her involvement with the cyclone recovery, will be to build a team to cope with the various crises in the areas the RST works in that may arise in the future.

“We look forward to working with her. Vicki can be contacted on 0800 787 254 or 021 433 524.”

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