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.
Preparing communities is a significant and complex responsibility, and no single organisation can do it alone. We are an ambitious bunch, and through our Ready Together programme, we have a national goal of preparing 500 communities by 2030.
We’ve also incorporated the Community Preparedness Trust along with other partners to help support and drive this mission.
Through our work, we want to ensure greater access and equity when it comes to emergency preparedness, helping to break the cycle of inequity and vulnerability by providing support to some of our most at-risk communities that have, or may, be disproportionally impacted or affected by emergencies and disasters of all types (including those relating to climate change). The disparities in community preparedness across the country has created a cycle of vulnerability where those communities most affected by disasters become the least able to prepare and recover from them.
Where funding is unavailable, the Community Preparedness Trust will work with partners and communities to provide support in applying for other funding sources, in addition to, and where foundation criteria is met, provide funding and appropriate solutions to meet community needs.
If you are keen to support the Community Preparedness Trust, please contact us.
Find out how our EPOD Emergency & Disaster Pods can build resilience and self-sufficiency in your community. Download our helpful guide.
