Network unites on defence response

A network of community response groups has banded together to improve emergency services in Rodney.

In March, Auckland Civil Defence emergency management decided it would no longer support the groups because of concerns over health and safety issues. Since then, about 95 people have been involved in forming a stronger network, with meetings at Matakana and Puhoi Fire Stations.

Scotts Landing Community Response Group leader Peter Seers says things are going well and that a strong relationship between groups is being formed.

“We’ve made contact with so many groups we didn’t know existed, including one on Kawau Island,” Peter says. “What it means is during an emergency we know who we can call on, especially if it’s a group close to the danger zone.”

Peter hopes to soon secure 20 radios, which will be provide a reliable and synchronised means of communication.