FIRST72 is proud to support the Pōhutukawa Coast Community Response Team (PCCT) with the delivery of a new Tier 3 Tait communications system – making them the first community group in Auckland to operate on the Tier 3 network system.

The Pōhutukawa Coast covers the townships of Whitford, Clevedon, Beachlands, Maraetai, and Umupuia.

This diverse coastal community faces a range of risks, from drought and severe weather to disruptions that can isolate entire neighbourhoods. With the new Tier 3 system, funded through the Transpower Community Fund, PCCT now has:

• Tier 3 Community Hub Base Kits (https://www.first72.org.nz/product/tait-mobile-base-radio-by-first72/)

• Tier 3 Handheld radios (https://www.first72.org.nz/product/tait-handheld-radio-tp9360-16-keys-tier-3-network/)

• A direct link into Auckland’s wider Tier 3 emergency communications network

These tools will allow PCCT to coordinate its own emergency response, keep residents connected, and link effectively with partner agencies when it matters most.

This project is not just about one community.

FIRST72 is working closely with Auckland Emergency Management, AREC and groups like CRT (Community Response Team NZ) to establish a resilient Tier 3 communications network across the region, as we have done with other regions.

When disasters strike, communications are often the first system to fail. By rolling out Tier 3 capability to community hubs, Auckland can help strengthen its critical communications resilience, ensuring that local communities remain connected during the first 72+ hours.

If your community group or hub is wanting to strengthen its communications capability, connect with us at www.first72.org.nz.

Read more about the CRT here: https://crt.org.nz/