Tamahere Builds Its Own Community Emergency Response Team - TCRG

A group of Tamahere residents is contributing to a stronger local response capability to help the community prepare for and cope with emergencies if they occur.

The Tamahere Community Response Group (Civil Defence -TCRG) is a community-led volunteer group working alongside Waikato District Council Emergency Management. Its purpose is simple: use local people, knowledge and connections to help Tamahere prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

Under the chairmanship of Tamahere resident Peter Nation, the group is now moving from organisation into practical preparation. Members undertake district training this weekend, with the next phase expected to include funding, practical community training and greater public awareness.

“We are moving along okay. We have District training this weekend and then [we're] moving into some funding, practical community training and awareness,” Peter Nation told the Tamahere Forum.

The strength of the TCRG is neighbours helping neighbours. Volunteers bring different skills and experience, helping create a local network able to share information, coordinate support and look out for others when normal services may be stretched.

As the group says: “Together, we are stronger, more prepared and better able to care for one another.”

The Tamahere Forum will keep abreast of the TCRG activities and opportunities for residents to become involved as the programme develops.

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