no declared emergencies
FIRST72 recognises the status of Māori as tangata whenua and the importance of Māori communities as key stakeholders in New Zealand’s emergency management system.
Māori are often disproportionately affected by emergencies and disasters, and we want to change that. However, Iwi, hapū, and marae across the country have consistently shown leadership in responding to and managing previous emergencies and large scale disasters. They are also one of the primary groups across Aotearoa that are leading the charge in emergency preparedness and resilience by establishing emergency response and support systems within communities.
In particular, marae often serve as trusted community hubs for support and leadership during crises. Their deep connection and network within communities enables them to act quickly and effectively in a way that they know best, providing essential services such as shelter, food and care to whānau and the wider public. Their ability to uphold tikanga during emergencies also provides a sense of familiarity and emotional support, helping foster resilience.
However, a recent study conducted by Auckland University Engineering PhD student Haukapuanui Vercoe (Te Arawa, Tūwharetoa, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu) identified that of the 869 marae nationwide, one in three marae are at risk of flooding, one in three are situated in landslide-prone areas, one in five are in tsunami evacuation zones and two in five are susceptible to liquefaction in the event of an earthquake.
FIRST72 and EPOD has extensive experience partnering with and supporting iwi, hapū & maraes across Aotearoa to help build emergency preparedness and resilience. Our work with different Iwi groups reflects our commitment to building self-reliant and self-sufficient communities, ensuring that whānau and hapū are ready to act as their own local first responders in emergencies.
In 2024, we partnered with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to deploy 22 Emergency Preparedness Pods (EPODs) across the South Island at maraes within 18 rūnanga. Each EPOD was tailored to the needs and risks of each marae, from urban maraes in Christchurch City to extremely isolated maraes on the West Coast in Hokitika and Bruce Bay. The emergency pods were designed to make each marae self-sufficient in the event of an Alpine Fault earthquake where they may be expected to support thousands of people for prolonged periods of time. In another project, we partnered with Te Whare Maire O Tapuwae in Wairoa to deploy 25 EPODs across the region, some of which were placed at marae and rural communities. Both projects have been supported by TPK which we have worked with closely.
Here is some of the work that we have done to help support iwi, hapū and marae to build emergency preparedness and resilience.
We have worked to enhance marae preparedness and resilience through their response capabilities such as essential tools, systems, equipment and resources to make them self-sufficient for the first 3 to 7 days. Our EPODs have been a common solution implemented by maraes along with bespoke equipment packages depending on their different needs, risks and funding.
We have done a considerable amount of work preparing rural maraes and communities that are at risk of isolation. A focus on self-sufficiency is crucial for these communities as they can be expected to survive on their own for significant periods following an emergency or disaster where access to aid is limited. The majority of the 52 EPODs that we have deployed to date has focused on these areas.
We’ve also focused on helping vulnerable hapū and marae facing a range of emergency risks and socioeconomic risks, including those:
Our approach to building effective resilience first starts by focusing on reducing risks for vulnerable members of the iwi, including kaumātua, tamariki, and those with disabilities.
We have also developed a series of training modules and workshops to help prepare hapū , marae and Iwi leaders in emergency response and recovery. Our modules focus on two key parts: physical and mental resilience and readiness.
Physical Training Modules: These hands-on sessions focus on the practical skills needed during emergencies, including response drills, first aid training, equipment usage, and logistical coordination. Participants gain the confidence to act quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations.
Mental Resilience Modules: Disasters don’t just test physical capabilities—they challenge mental strength, too. These modules, developed in collaboration with experts, teach techniques for maintaining focus, managing stress, and fostering a resilient mindset under pressure.
Preparedness cannot be treated as a one-off exercise—it requires ongoing commitment. At FIRST72, we work closely with communities over time to:
Preparedness cannot be treated as a one-off exercise—it requires ongoing commitment. At FIRST72, we work closely with communities over time to:
We understand that every iwi and hapū faces unique challenges, from rural isolation to specific natural hazard risks. FIRST72 will work with you to design and implement emergency response systems respect your whenua, tikanga, and community structure.
Marae have become local emergency response centres after a number of natural disasters, in some cases feeding a thousand people a day. The EPODs are a way to enhance our emergency response preparedness. We want to empower our people to offer support and manaaki to whānau and the community during emergency events. This is such important mahi as it highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in our Ngāi Tahu Takiwā
The EPOD at Moeraki Marae in Dunedin is an invaluable resource, ensuring our community’s safety, resilience, and independence during emergencies. It enables the Marae to serve as a hub for essential supplies, education, and support, empowering whānau and visitors alike in times of need. This taonga reflects the values of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, strengthening our ability to care for our people and uphold our traditions.
Partnering with FIRST72 and EPOD is essential for safeguarding our whānau. By combining our traditional knowledge with pre-positioned approaches, we can enhance our preparedness for natural disasters and protect our communities.
The EPODs generously provided by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Te Puni Kōkiri has given the Marae and local community the ability to be prepared to deal with any natural disaster. Having it onsite gives peace of mind that appropriate resources are readily available to be utilised when needed.
EPOD has provided exceptional customer service from concept to on-time delivery of 25 x Resilience Emergency Pods for the Wairoa district. The communities will benefit enormously from this initiative for years to follow as our area is prone to climate change and isolation in the event of a natural disaster that unfortunately eventuated recently with Cyclone Gabrielle. I would definitely recommend their services to others because of their professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to community projects.
EPODs are designed to support your community to become self-sufficient in the critical hours, days and weeks following an emergency or disaster.
Our EPODs are designed to comprehensively prepare your community and make you more resilient to future emergency events.
