The West Coast is taking a major step to strengthen its emergency response capability, with three new EPOD emergency containers under construction and scheduled for deployment by the end of May 2025.

Led by the West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) Group in partnership with FIRST72 and EPOD, this project focuses on establishing alternate Emergency Coordination Centres (ECCs) and Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) across the region — ensuring that if primary facilities are compromised during a disaster, critical coordination efforts can continue.

Funding was secured through the CDEM Resilience Fund, administered annually by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The CDEM Resilience Fund supports initiatives that build stronger, more resilient communities across New Zealand. Learn more here.

This project marks a major milestone — it is the first time EPODs have been funded directly by NEMA. 

The three new EPODs will be deployed as follows:

• Two EPODs for Buller District

• One EPOD for Westland District

Each EPOD will provide secure, standalone infrastructure stocked with critical emergency supplies, including power, communications, shelter, and coordination equipment — custom-tailored to the needs of each location.

FIRST72 and EPOD have worked closely with WCEM and partners to design, configure, and finalise bespoke equipment packages for each EPOD, ensuring that every unit is fit-for-purpose and ready to serve as a fully functional alternate coordination centre when needed most.

These new units will join three EPODs deployed across the West Coast last year with the support of Ngāi Tahu — meaning that within just 12 months, the region will have six EPODs operating to significantly boost community readiness and resilience.

Given the West Coast’s rugged geography, isolated communities, and exposure to severe hazards, having alternate, deployable emergency coordination centres is a critical investment in safeguarding lives and supporting recovery.

FIRST72 is proud to partner with WCEM on this initiative — and proud to have supported three additional project applications through the 2025/26 CDEM Resilience Fund, with funding decisions expected shortly.

We remain committed to helping communities across Aotearoa build the resilience they need for the emergencies of tomorrow.