‘Training days’ for community Civil Defence support

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

The Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Roadshow starts in Tokomaru Bay on Sunday with stop one of its five-weekend tour.

The roadshow brings together emergency services in Tairāwhiti to train in partnership with community Civil Defence volunteers which form part of the Community Link regional structure.

Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Manager Ben Green said the training days made sure communities were ready ahead of the next emergency.

“Winter is approaching — we don’t know where or when the next disaster will happen but we know how important it is to be ready. Training and engagement with our communities are a vital part of being able to respond quickly and save lives when an emergency situation arises.

“We encourage you to find out when the roadshow is coming to your community and stop by to be part of it.”

At the roadshow will be FENZ, St John, Emergency Management Bay of Plenty (EMBOP), NZ Police, NZ Army and Ngāti Porou Hauora.

“We know in emergency situations communities rally around to help each other,  Mr Green said.

“I’d like to acknowledge all iwi, hapu, whānau, organisations, and hapori (communities) for engaging with us as we look to provide support in addition to what you are all already planning and activating within your areas.

“It’s a positive that we can work together in the best interest of growing capacity and capability within our region as we all need each other when faced with emergency events,” Mr Green said.

The roadshow will be from 9am to 3pm at the following communities  from Sunday —

• Tokomaru Bay, Hatea-a-Rangi Memorial Park, Sunday, May 28

• Te Araroa, Paerauta Marae (Tutua)                        Friday,  June  2

• Uawa, Tolaga Bay Area School                                  Sunday,  June 11

• Manutuke, Whakato Marae, Whanāu Day,  Saturday,  June  17

•  Gisborne, by the  Rose Garden at Lawson Field Theatre,  to be confirmed.