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.
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 impacting many rural communities. Being based in Hawke’s Bay, we wanted to do something about it. 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 prepared solutions, we developed the EPOD . These were specialist emergency pods designed to prepare communities and make them self-sufficient for the critical first 72 hours. Through a partnership with Te Whare Maire o Tapu Whānau Ora, we placed 25 of EPODs across the Wairoa region to strengthen community resilience.
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 critical our EPODs were to communities.
The importance of the EPOD initiative propelled us to think bigger. What started as a localised effort evolved into FIRST72, a national organisation committed to preparing communities across New Zealand. Today, our work aims to strengthen resilience at every level through equipment, training and support services.
With the increasing frequency and intensity of weather events globally and in New Zealand, communities continue to be hit hard and the need for preparedness has never been more important.
At FIRST72, we believe that emergency preparedness and disaster resilience is a national priority and will continue to be for the next 5 years and as we continue to respond to emergency events.
We are an ambitious bunch and are committed to making a difference, so over the next five years, we have set a goal of preparing 500 New Zealand communities to a minimum standard of preparedness – known as Ready Together.
Ready Together now forms part of our strategic direction until 2030 and our goal of preparing 500 New Zealand communities.
Find out how our EPOD Emergency & Disaster Pods can build resilience and self-sufficiency in your community. Download our helpful guide.
