At FIRST72, our commitment to building resilient communities extends beyond delivering vital resources; it includes engaging with and learning from those on the front lines of emergency management. Recently, our general manager Harrison McPhail and operations coordinator Kieran Kruger travelled to Whangarei to participate in the 2024 Northland Emergency Management Forum. This annual event brings together a diverse range of local and national speakers within the emergency management field to share first-hand experiences, local updates, and expert insights.

The Northland CDEM forum provided an excellent opportunity for Harry and Kieran to engage with various members of the Northland community. They set up an information stall where they discussed FIRST72’s mission and the importance of preparedness with forum attendees. Through these interactions, they gained valuable insights into the unique challenges that Northland faces in relation to natural disasters and emergencies.

“Participating in the Northland Emergency Management Forum was an enlightening experience. We learned a great deal about the specific needs and concerns of the Northland community, which will help us tailor our solutions to better support their resilience efforts.” – Harry

The forum also allowed our team to connect with other emergency management professionals and organizations, fostering collaborations that will enhance our collective ability to respond to and recover from disasters. Meeting and learning from the diverse group of individuals who contribute to Northland Civil Defence underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives and the power of shared knowledge in disaster preparedness.

At FIRST72, we believe that building strong relationships with local communities and understanding their unique challenges is essential to our mission. The insights and connections gained from the Northland Emergency Management Forum will inform our future efforts and help us better serve the communities of Northland.

We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event and extend our thanks to all the organizers and attendees who contributed to its success. Together, we are making strides towards a more resilient and prepared New Zealand, one community at a time.