EPOD Featured on Te Karere TVNZ: Strengthening Iwi Emergency Preparedness and Resilience

We’re excited to share that EPOD, designed to enhance emergency preparedness and resilience, was recently featured in a Te Karere TVNZ news segment. This feature highlighted the delivery of the first Emergency Pod (EPOD) to Te Waipounamu in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, funded by Te Puni Kōkiri.

This EPOD was delivered to Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka, supporting Ngā Hau e Whā Marae.

“The products in here, they’ll last. They’re non-perishable and will be dished out, refurbished, and kept fresh at all times.”
— Norm Dewes, Ngā Hau e Whā Marae

The EPOD initiative is part of a wider effort to prepare for significant disaster events such as the highly probable Alpine Fault (AF8) earthquake. With a 75% chance of occurring within the next 50 years, the AF8 event is expected to cause a magnitude 8+ earthquake, resulting in widespread damage across the South Island. By combining traditional knowledge (Mātauranga Māori) with modern scientific understanding, Ngāi Tahu has been working proactively to educate and prepare its communities for such events.

“They’re designed in a way that suits each individual marae and their particular needs. For example, some marae might need resources to deal with flooding, while others are more prone to earthquakes.”
— David Ormsby, Te Puni Kōkiri

Each EPOD is stocked with crucial emergency supplies, including food, medical tools, communication devices, and more, designed to support marae and communities during the first critical 72 hours after a disaster. This pilot delivery sets the stage for a larger rollout of 22 EPODs across Ngāi Tahu marae.

We are proud of this recognition and grateful for the continued support of our iwi partners, Te Puni Kōkiri, and all who are working to ensure our communities are prepared for any emergency.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build resilience across Aotearoa!