no declared emergencies
FIRST72’s origins began back in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As global supply chains became disrupted causing nationwide shortages, through Kooga NZ, our team stepped in to source and deliver critical PPE gear and emergency supplies for various organisations and communities across New Zealand. However, this work uncovered a stark reality: many New Zealanders were not just underprepared for a health crisis, but the broader risks posed by emergencies and natural disasters.
Following COVID-19, severe 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 – often struggling to cope with the impacts of these events. 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 organisations and communities in proactively preparing for future emergencies, particularly those that risked becoming isolated for prolonged periods.
Recognising this need for proactive solutions, our team developed the EPOD initiative. These specialist emergency pods became our flagship solution, designed to support communities and make them self-sufficient with essential supplies and resources for the critical first 72 hours after an event. Through a partnership with Te Whare Maire o Tapu Whānau Ora, we placed 25 of our emergency pods – called “EPODs“- across the Wairoa region to help build community preparedness and resilience. Each EPOD was carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of its community, empowering locals and whānau to respond quickly, 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 essential supplies, resources and support to those affected during one of the most significant disasters the area had faced.
The success of the EPOD initiative propelled us to think bigger. What started as a localised effort evolved into FIRST72, a national organisation established with a clear mission to help prepare New Zealanders across the country in preparing for future emergencies and disasters. Today, our work not only encompasses emergency preparedness but also consulting, training, and resilience-building services to support individuals, businesses and entire communities to face future emergencies with confidence. 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.
FIRST72 is now committed to helping every New Zealander to not only survive but thrive, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
Emergency management is a vast and complex responsibility and we recognise that our work is not reaching some of our most vulnerable communities. So to change this, in early 2025, we will be launching the FIRST72 Foundation.
The FIRST72 Foundation’s mission is to ensure greater equality for all when it comes to emergency preparedness, helping to break the cycle of inequity and vulnerability by providing resources and 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 emergency 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 local council, CDEM, government, third-party or private funding is unavailable, the FIRST72 Foundation will work with those 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 become a founding member or supporter of the FIRST72 Foundation, please contact us.
