Next time Northland is hit by a natural disaster the region will be able to call on three ex-army Unimogs to move people and supplies through floodwaters and over damaged roads.
All that's needed now is a band of volunteers to drive the donated Mercedes-Benz Unimogs and keep them in working order.
Right now they're being looked after by the Kerikeri Cadet Unit, an army-affiliated youth group with about 20 members in their early teens.
Cadet leader Mita Harris said the Unimogs were powered by 5.7-litre turbo diesel engines, could handle rough terrain and drive through water almost 2m deep as long as the current wasn't too strong.
![Mita Harris is calling for volunteers to help maintain and drive these ex-army Unimogs, donated to Northland for use in floods and other emergencies. Photo / Peter de Graaf](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/R5SP3URY7WAFVSWX3UWHH72CN4.jpg?auth=230584ac9387f2fae7c7c11f010a4b0990d3b99d5ad1dc2ff1ffe61e58cef5ff&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)