Eastern Bay community resilience supercharged with support from Trust Horizon
Image left to right: Chief Fire Officer Rowan Newell, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Barry Hennessy, Qualified Firefighter Tony Palmer
The Matatā and Ōpōtiki communities will now be even more resilient in the event of natural disasters – with two Trust Horizon grants providing upgrades for two critical pieces of emergency equipment.
In the wake of the 2005 Matatā floods, an Emergency Response Team was formed, with members including the local fire brigade, police, schools, iwi, and the Residence Association. With the community sitting in a tsunami zone, the group recognised the need for a mobile emergency response.
“We came up with the idea of getting a trailer, so we could still support the community should we need to relocate in an emergency situation,” says Matatā Blue Light Chairperson, Kevin Raynes.
The trailer was fully equipped with tools and resources. However it lacked power and communication equipment, both of which are crucial in natural disaster response. On behalf of the Emergency Response Team, Matatā Blue Light applied to Trust Horizon for funding. The application was successful, and the group received a $9,728 grant towards a solar panel, three 12v lithium batteries, LED lighting, bluetooth radio, and a speaker set.
“The ability to have power, lighting and communication in emergency events is life-changing and life-saving for our community,” says Raynes. “Being in a tsunami zone, the fact that our resources can be transported and used anywhere is critical. We’re very thankful to the Trust.”
Meanwhile, an hour down the road, the Ōpōtiki Volunteer Fire Brigade is also receiving a vital emergency equipment upgrade.
Matatā Blue Light Chairperson, Kevin Raynes
A grant of $44,045 has contributed to the cost of a 60 kVA generator and trailer, which will ensure that the station can remain open and operational during power outages.
“Until now, during outages there’s been no power to the station,” explains Ōpōtiki Fire Brigade Group Manager, Tony Gillard. “The lights, the roller doors – nothing works. During weather events the fire station becomes a community hub, so having the lights on and everything going is key.”
With the station located in a flood zone, the generator’s mobility is critical. The addition of the trailer means the generator can be transported to the station’s alternative location – the Ōpōtiki Golf Course – and the community can continue to be served, whatever the emergency situation at hand. “This wouldn’t be possible without the Trust’s help, so we’re hugely appreciative,” says Gillard.
The generator’s mobility also allows it to support stations and organisations in more remote locations. To make use of a mobile generator, sites need a generator connection. To ensure more of the Eastern Bay can access backup power during an outage, Trust Horizon has approved grants totalling $18,628 for generator connections at the Matatā, Taneatua, Waimana and Eastern Bay (Te Tahi Street, Whakatāne) stations.
Whakatāne, Edgecumbe, Ōhope are also currently wired for generator connections – with Whakatāne station receiving a mobile generator funded by Trust Horizon in 2022, and Ōhope station having a fixed generator installed.
Building the resilience of Eastern Bay communities is a core part of Trust Horizon’s purpose. “With weather events increasing over recent years, staying prepared is more critical than ever,” says Trust Horizon trustee and Ōpōtiki local, Kevin Hennessy. “The Trust was pleased to support the upgrade of two such vital pieces of equipment, and applauds these organisations for taking these proactive steps to protect their communities.”
Read more about Trust Horizon’s projects here.