Our work initially began back in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As global supply chains became disrupted, we worked with communities to source PPE and emergency supplies. This work uncovered a concerning reality: many New Zealanders were not only underprepared for a pandemic, but the broader risks posed by natural hazards.
Following COVID-19, extreme weather events continued to hit the East Coast of the North Island, and the devastating effects caused by forestry slash were leaving many rural communities vulnerable, isolated and alone. Being based in Hawke’s Bay, our team wanted to do something about it but quickly recognised that many of these issues required more than just reactive measures. Our attention then quickly turned to support communities in preparing for emergencies, particularly those that risked becoming isolated for prolonged periods.
Recognising the need for proactive solutions, our team developed the EPOD concept. These specialist emergency pods became our flagship solution, designed to prepare communities and make them self-sufficient for the critical first 72 hours after an event. Through a partnership with Te Whare Maire o Tapu Whānau Ora, we placed 25 of EPODs across the Wairoa region to strengthen community resilience. Each EPOD was tailored to meet the unique needs of its community, several of them being maraes, and empowering locals to respond confidently and in a way that they know best.
By sheer chance, we delivered the final EPOD of this initial Wairoa project just three days before Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the region. Many communities were cut-off for weeks and even months following the destruction to SH2 between Napier and Wairoa. This somewhat unbelievable timing underscored the importance of our work—as we later learnt how vital these EPODs were, becoming lifelines to communities in providing resources and support to those affected during one of the most significant disasters the area had faced.
The importance of the EPOD initiative propelled us to think bigger. What started as a localised effort evolved into FIRST72, a national mission-driven organisation committed to preparing communities and groups across New Zealand. Today, our work aims to strengthen resilience at every level through equipment, training and support services. Through collaboration with a wide range of partners, we’ve expanded our reach, network and expertise, and built a reputation as leaders in emergency preparedness and resilience.
Strengthening disaster resilience and preparing communities is a significant and complex responsibility, and no one can do it alone.
With the increasing frequency and intensity of weather events globally and in New Zealand, communities continue to be hit hard and the need for proactive preparedness has never been more important.
At FIRST72, we believe that emergency preparedness and community resilience is a national priority and will continue to be for the next 5 years and as we continue to respond to emergency events.
We are an ambitious bunch and are committed to making a difference, so over the next five years, we have set a goal of preparing 500 New Zealand communities to a minimum standard of preparedness – known as Ready Together.
The disparities in community preparedness across New Zealand has created a cycle of vulnerability where those communities most affected by disasters become the least able to prepare and recover from them.
Ready Together now forms part of our strategic direction until 2030 and our goal of preparing 500 New Zealand communities.
With growing support from a network of partners and supporters across multiple industries in both the public and private sector, we aim to make real impact through collective action to strengthening New Zealand’s disaster resilience.
Find out how our EPOD Emergency & Disaster Pods can build resilience and self-sufficiency in your community. Download our helpful guide.
