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no declared emergencies
Emergencies and disasters do not affect everyone equally and often disproportionately impact our most vulnerable communities and whānau.
The absence of inclusive planning, accessible communication during crises, and appropriate resources leaves many people inadequately supported in emergencies.
Preparedness measures vary significantly across regions and within regions. While urban areas may have more resources, rural communities often lack even basic infrastructure, leaving some populations at heightened risk. Additionally, limited resources and support for lower-income communities intensify the impacts of disasters, exacerbating inequities and making recovery even more challenging. While policies are in place to improve preparedness, the pace of change remains slow, and enforcement is often insufficient, resulting in minimal tangible improvements.
Families and whānau living in poverty may also struggle to afford basic emergency preparedness supplies, while rural and remote communities often face significant delays in receiving critical support and aid. These disparities create a cycle of vulnerability, where those communities most affected by disasters become the least able to prepare and recover from them.
Ensuring accessible and inclusive emergency preparedness is crucial for building a resilient society in Aotearoa New Zealand. When everyone is prepared and supported, communities can recover more quickly, reducing long-term impacts and empowering all people to safely navigate and recover from crises.
The FIRST72 Charitable Trust was set up to help break this cycle of inequality and vulnerability. The Trust operates to support vulnerable communities by providing resources and support to at-risk communities that have or may be disproportionally affected by natural disasters and climate change events.
The Trust may undertake the following activities to achieve its charitable purposes:
Our focus is to not take a one-size-fits-all approach to building emergency preparedness and resilience within vulnerable communities. Instead, our focus is to work closely with local community leaders, Iwi and other stakeholders to implement effective solutions that are right for each community. The Trust ensures that all activities have a meaningful and lasting positive impact for and within vulnerable communities that it serves.
Through these partnerships, we aim to not only address any immediate needs and risks but also create a foundation of resilience that supports communities to thrive.
The FIRST72 Charitable Trust is a philanthropic mission that relies on collective effort and strong partnerships with a variety of stakeholders including emergency management, communities, Iwi, other non-for-profit organisations, corporate sponsors and individuals that are willing to contribute to make a difference. The benefits are wide reaching:
The Trust is always looking for new communities and partners to support our cause. Disasters are inevitable, but their impact doesn’t have to be. Together, we can empower our most vulnerable and prepare communities to face future challenges with confidence and resilience.
For more information about the FIRST72 Charitable Trust, visit the Charities Commission website.
Community Preparedness Trust Limited – NZ Charity Registration Number CC62059
