Giving out ‘clever radios’ to isolated communities in Gisborne

Paul Madsen with one of the emergency clever radios he is distributing to isolated communities throughout Tairāwhiti. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

Mission organisation Far East Broadcasting Corporation (FEBC) has enlisted the help of Mangapapa Church to deliver emergency “clever radios” to isolated communities in the Gisborne region.

Clever radios have many charging options and uses, and don’t need batteries. They are clever, not “smart” devices and don’t require internet connections. This radio relies on solar energy or crank-supplied power to the inbuilt rechargeable battery.

Paul Madsen from Mangapapa Church is heading up the distribution of these radios to key people in communities and across iwi — people who would connect to others in Civil Defence emergency situations.

“I’ve been looking at geographical areas that have the most need and using word-of-mouth and my own church contacts. I’m basically trying to make sure they get to the people and places that were most isolated in recent weather events,” Mr Madsen said.

FEBC contacted the church by email and said they had the radios for distribution. They have also given them out in Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa and Coromandel.

Mangapapa Church initially received 20 and then asked for a further 20. They still have nine left so people can get in contact if they require one.

“I have two in churches in Gisborne that act as emergency shelters and hubs in emergencies,” Mr Madsen said.

He has given 10 to Te Aitanga a Māhaki Iwi at Te Karaka, one of the worst hit areas near Gisborne, as well as Manutūkē, Matawai and Mangatū.

They have gone mostly into marae, with some into homes in Te Karaka.

Ngāti Porou has been given 15 to distribute up the East Coast on State Highway 35.

They have distributed them to marae in Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay, Tikitiki, Te Puia and Ruatōria, with some going to individuals.

Mr Madsen is still working to get the radios to Tiniroto and Muriwai and has one going to a farming family inland from Frasertown.

Far East Broadcasting Corporation is funding the emergency radio project. It is known for its work in Africa, Asia and Ukraine, where a part of what they do is distribute these “clever radios” to isolated communities that do not have reliable electricity or communication resources.

“During Cyclone Gabrielle we saw how vulnerable our communication and power supply systems can be, so having this back-up radio should make a big difference to people in isolated areas if we have future civil defence emergencies,” Mr Madsen said.

To find out more contact Mangapapa Church Office, 06-867 9604, or office@mup.org.nz