Disaster on way ... but don't panic

Youth in Emergency Services trainee Joseph Christianson, 17, gets some pointers from Okaihau firefighter Alastair Wells during last year's exercise. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Tomorrow is shaping up to be a disastrous day in Moerewa, with emergency services gearing up for a plane crash, a building collapse and a serious traffic smash.

Fortunately, however, all the calamities will be simulated as part of a training exercise for the Youth in Emergency Services (YES) scheme.

Fifteen teenagers from the Kawakawa-Moerewa area were chosen for the six-week programme, which sees them spend a weekend with each of the emergency services, including St John, Red Cross, the Fire Service, Rural Fire and police. All they have learnt so far will be put to the test tomorrow, across the road from Moerewa's Affco meatworks.

YES spokeswoman Shona Morgan said the exercise would be as realistic as was safely possible. That included transporting the trainees to the scene by helicopters.

Ms Morgan said the young Northlanders taking part, aged 15-18, were nominated by schools, iwi and social services. "They have all been really keen and enthusiastic participants, and have been a real credit to themselves and their families," she says.

The exercise is being staged with the help of Kawakawa's volunteer firefighters, Affco, the Northland Emergency Services Trust, and Salt Air, which will provide the helicopters.

The YES programme aims to strengthen the connection between young people and their communities and is funded by the Ministry of Youth Development. It also teaches participants practical skills and encourages them to volunteer.

Participants will graduate at a formal graduation dinner in Kawakawa on June 20 and be offered the chance to volunteer for two months with the emergency service of their choice. The scheme was trialled last year in Kaikohe.