Tauranga's New Zealand Red Cross disaster, welfare and support team is being trained in the Bay. Chris Bell (left), Kerstin Hanschke, and team leader Kate Bain. Photo / George Novak
Tauranga's New Zealand Red Cross disaster, welfare and support team is being trained in the Bay. Chris Bell (left), Kerstin Hanschke, and team leader Kate Bain. Photo / George Novak
Tauranga now has its own Red Cross diaster, welfare and support team who will provide support if a disaster strikes the region.
The team is made up of 23 volunteers who join 400 others across the country.
New Zealand Red Cross North Island emergency management officer Graeme Langford said teamswere already in place in Rotorua and Hamilton.
The volunteers would be trained in first aid, ground-based rescues, civil defence centre support and "outreach", which entailed assessing the need for relief or welfare.
Mr Langford said volunteers needed to understand the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross which included humanity, impartiality, neutrality and service.
"It's not just about rescuing people, it's about supporting people from all sorts of losses."
The group would be trained by the end of July and equipped with a four-wheel drive and a trailer of equipment including bedding, blankets, stretchers and other goods.
Team leader Kate Bain, 28, said she had been looking for a role in the Red Cross.
