Wairoa District has taken a significant step toward enhancing its emergency preparedness with the arrival of eight new Emergency Preparedness Pods (EPODs). The initiative, led by the Wairoa District Council and funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), underscores a commitment to building resilience and supporting communities during emergencies.

The delivery includes two compact 10FT Quick Response Pods (QRS), designed for ease of transport and rapid deployment, alongside a larger 20FT EPOD models. Each EPOD is fully equipped with essential supplies to sustain each community during the critical early stages of a emergency, ensuring residents can remain self-sufficient until additional support arrives.

At an official handover ceremony, Mayor Craig Little and Local CDEM Controller, Juanita Savage, highlighted the significance of the initiative:

“It will provide a good footing for our communities to be able to support themselves and give them confidence that they’ll be okay until further support arrives.” – Juanita Savage, Wairoa District Council Group Manager for Community Services and Development

The deployment of these EPODs is part of a broader strategy to strengthen emergency management in the region. By strategically positioning these resources, Wairoa is better prepared to respond to natural disasters, such as floods or storms, which have previously isolated communities for extended periods.

This collaborative effort between Wairoa District Council and MPI represents a proactive approach to emergency management, ensuring communities have the resources they need when emergencies strike. It’s a model of preparedness that could serve as an example for other regions across New Zealand.