What would you do if Tamahere faced a serious emergency from flooding, a major earthquake, or a long-term power outage?
A small group of locals, led by Waikato District Councillor Crystal Beavis, has already started answering that question by drafting a Tamahere Community Response Plan. Now, they’re calling for more volunteers to step forward and be part of a practical, on-the-ground team that would swing into action if the need ever arose.
Crystal says volunteers wouldn’t just be part of a local safety net, they’d also join a district-wide network of community response groups, supported by Waikato District Council’s Emergency Management team. “It’s about building resilience before something happens,” says Crystal. “And making sure we have a solid local plan we can actually activate when it counts.”
The Tamahere plan identifies a range of potential threats from floods, earthquakes, pandemics, utility failures, and even large-scale evacuations from neighbouring areas. It also maps out local people and businesses willing to help, including:
Emergency accommodation providers
Food preparation support
Machinery owners to help clear fallen trees
Local communications helpers (like Facebook group admins)
This plan is securely stored with the Council and regularly reviewed with their Emergency Management team, who can also assist with training, advice, and potential funding support.
But it’s the people behind the plan who make it work and right now, the team is looking for:
New volunteers interested in helping during an emergency
A community leader with people skills and a bit of time to coordinate the group
Emergency services experience (fire, police, ambulance) would be a bonus, but it’s not essential. What matters most is organisation, calm under pressure, and a desire to serve the community. Crystal hopes someone local might also step up to take the lead so she can remain available across the broader Tamahere–Woodlands Ward, which stretches all the way to Gordonton.
If you’re keen to help or just curious about what’s involved, reach out to:
Crystal Beavis at crystal.beavis@waidc.govt.nz
Charles Fletcher, Chair of the Tamahere Community Committee, at tamaherecommunity@gmail.com
This is about neighbours helping neighbours. Whether it’s a big event or a small one, let’s be ready.
