Generators and Grants Strengthen Eastern Bay Emergency Response

Matatā and Ōpōtiki will be better prepared in emergency events following grants from Trust Horizon to upgrade emergency equipment.

The Ōpōtiki Volunteer Fire Brigade received over $44,000 to contribute to a 60 kVA generator and trailer to maintain power during power outages. 

Previously, the station has been left without power during outages in weather events Ōpōtiki Fire Brigade Group Manager Tony Gillard said

“Until now, during outages there’s been no power to the station.”

“The lights, the roller doors – nothing works."

During these events, the station becomes a community hub so power is essential. 

The generator will ensure the station can maintain power under all circumstances. 

With the station at risk of being impacted during flooding events, a trailer was important to ensure the generator can be transported to the stations' alternative site - the Ōpōtiki Golf Course.  

This means the community can continue to be served whatever the situation, Gillard said. 

The generator’s mobility also allows it to support stations and organisations in more remote locations, Trust Horizon said.

To use the mobile generator, a generator connection is needed, so Trust Horizon will provide $18,600 for generator connections at the Matatā, Tāneatua, Waimana, Te Tahi Street and Whakatāne stations.

Matatā Blue Light Chairperson Kevin Raynes with the Matatā Emergency Response Trailer

Residents in Matatā will maintain better power and communication connections in an emergency event with a $9,700 grant for upgrading the mobile emergency response trailer. 

Following the 2005 Matatā flooding event, the local fire brigade, police, schools, iwi, and the Residence Association formed an emergency response team and orgainised a portable emergency trailer. 

While emergency supplies have been sorted, the trailer was lacking power and communication equipment which is vital for natural disaster response said Matatā Blue Light Chairperson Kevin Raynes. 

“The ability to have power, lighting and communication in emergency events is life-changing and life-saving for our community.”

“Being in a tsunami zone, the fact that our resources can be transported and used anywhere is critical.”

Using the grant, a solar panel, three 12v lithium batteries, LED lighting, bluetooth radio, and a speaker set have been secured. 

Building resilience is important, especially as weather events increase said Trust Horizon trustee Kevin Hennessy.

“With weather events increasing over recent years, staying prepared is more critical than ever.”

“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," he said.