Waiheke Response Team
When Waiheke Island faces an emergency - who shows up?
That could be you.
Auckland Emergency Management is building a new NZ Response Team (NZRT) right here on Waiheke, and we're looking for locals who want to make a real difference.
We’re looking for locally based volunteers to train and work alongside us in an emergency, to provide on-the-ground help including storm response, operating Civil Defence centres, and light rescue.
No experience necessary, island based, and a great opportunity to be the person your community counts on when it matters most.
Want to learn more?
AEM will host a community open evening on Monday 29 June from 6:30-8:30pm at the Waiheke Local Board Office, located at 10 Belgium Street Ostend.
If you're interested in joining the Waiheke Response Team or attending the evening to learn more, register your interest by emailing aeminfo@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Frequently Asked Questions
The New Zealand Response Teams (NZRT's) are comprised of dedicated volunteers driven by a passion for aiding their communities, with their primary function to support AEM activities and taskings before, during and after an event. They are an integral part of the operational response within Auckland Emergency Management.
The teams provide support in a number of ways, some of the main activities are:
• Advanced First Aid
• Flood Response
• Storm Response
• Setting up Civil Defence Centres
• Support with transporting logistical items
• Reconnaissance for intel gathering
Most of the skills required for NZRT can be taught - but we are looking for people who:
- are based on Waiheke Island
- are over the age of 18
- have a good level of personal fitness
- can commit to 2 hours of evening trainings per week
- have a clean, full drivers license (ideal but not compulsory)
What's most important is that you're committed, have enthusiasm, and are willing to learn and try new skills.
Yes! We won't leave you on your own - there's a Training Pathway set out for all Auckland Response
Teams.
NZRTs train to nationally recognized standards set by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Teams are assessed by NEMA every three years to ensure they meet the required skill levels. Training topics include:
- Advanced First Aid
- Emergency driving and 4WD
- Radio and Communications
- Swift Water rescue
- Rope Rescues
- USAR Light Rescue
You can also expect weekly training nights, as well as the chance to get involved with situational exercises with our partner agencies such as Fire and Emergency (FENZ), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), St Johns Ambulance, New Zealand Police, NEMA and much more.
As a probationary recruit, you will not be involved in the full operational parts of emergency response until you have completed your training and the team has been fully established.
In the interim, the team may be involved in limited activities such as setting up Civil Defence Centres and storm response/light rescue, depending on what emergency strikes and the capability of the team at that time.
Due to the nature of emergencies that can happen at any time, there is no set schedule for response.
When an event occurs, team members will be contacted by Auckland Emergency Management and those who are available will respond - there is no expectation that you are available at all times.
Regular attendance at training is important, however, as this ensures the team is ready when it matters.
If you're interested in joining the Waiheke Response Team please register your interest by emailing aeminfo@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
We look forward to hearing from you!
We can understand you may have further questions, and we're here to help. Please send questions through to aeminfo@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
You may also want to attend our community open evening to gain more of an insight - this will be on Monday 29 June from 6:30-8:30pm at the Waiheke Local Board Office, located at 10 Belgium Street Ostend.