Tuahuru Marae, located on the East Coast in Māhia, is a critical community hub for the local whānau. After recent extreme weather events highlighted the vulnerability of remote communities, Tuahuru partnered with FIRST72 to significantly increase their emergency readiness.

Through this project, we delivered a tailored package of essential emergency equipment to help the marae operate as a reliable support and coordination site during future disasters. The package included:

• 1x Honda 7.0kW Inverter Generator with 32A plug – capable of powering large appliances and lighting systems to keep the marae functioning during outages.

• 1x Honda Home Start Kit – to integrate generator power directly into the mains at the marae.

• 5x Honda 2.2kW Inverter Generators – for distributed power supply in response areas across the community.

• 3x Compact Megaphones with Sirens – to help with on-site communication and evacuation procedures.

• 2x 16kW Diesel Radiant Heaters – providing warmth in winter emergencies or for displaced whānau.

• 1x 250L Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet – ensuring safe and compliant fuel storage on site.

This kit gives Tuahuru Marae the ability to function off-grid, support the local community, and respond immediately in a crisis. With backup power, safe fuel storage, comms gear, and heating solutions in place, the marae is better prepared to step into its role as a resilient, community-led emergency hub for Māhia.

This project was designed specifically around the needs of the marae, with a strong focus on ensuring that it can function independently if cut off from the outside world.