At FIRST72, we are dedicated to fostering resilient communities capable of handling emergencies with confidence and efficiency. Today, we are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu—the delivery of the first of 22 state-of-the-art emergency pods to Marae Sites across the South Island, preparing for the inevitable Alpine Fault Magnitude (AF8) event and other potential threats.

The first EPOD has been delivered to Ngā hau e Whā Marae, marking the beginning of a comprehensive deployment plan. This initial delivery will be followed by the West Coast, Banks Peninsula, Kaikōura, and continuing down to Dunedin and Invercargill. We are on track to have all 22 pods deployed by July 31.

“Partnering with EPOD is essential for safeguarding our whānau. By combining our traditional knowledge with pre-positioned approaches, we can enhance our preparedness for natural disasters and protect our communities.” – Jamie Ruwhiu, programme manager of the whānau and emergency response team at Ngāi Tahu

This first delivery marks a significant advancement in our largest project to date and reinforces our commitment to strategic planning and community resilience. Ngāi Tahu’s careful identification of strategic sites, locations, and potential risk areas ensures our pods are placed where they are needed most.

At EPOD, we take pride in partnering with Ngāi Tahu, merging FIRST72’s disaster readiness solutions with their profound care for their land and people. Together, we are building stronger, more prepared communities.