Fuel tank installation boost for emergency services at critical sites on the East Coast

Tairāwhiti Emergency Management group manager Ben Green (left), Ngāti Porou Oranga chief operating officer Lisa Whakataka and Ngāti Porou facilities and projects manager Richard Whangapirita in front of a 10,000-litre fuel tank - one of two that will help strengthen the East Coast’s resilience in the wake of weather and emergency events.

The East Coast’s resilience during an emergency has been strengthened through a collaboration between Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou and the Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Office.

Ngāti Porou Oranga at Te Puia Hot Springs has a 10,000-litre fuel tank in place to ensure the hospital does not face a shortage as it did during Cyclone Gabrielle, when a contracting firm stepped in to make sure there was enough fuel to operate its generator.

“This is another reflection of the work that has been under way in the wake of the many adverse weather events, including Cyclone Gabrielle,” Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Office (Temo) group manager Ben Green said in a Gisborne District Council release.

Another 10,000-litre fuel tank will be deployed to support emergency services in Ruatōria.

The tanks were originally part of the Government’s response to support the Hawke’s Bay region after Cyclone Gabrielle, but last year they were deemed surplus to requirements.

Temo got the tanks for free, and Green said it was “more than happy” to place them at critical regional sites and facilities across Tairāwhiti.

Ngāti Porou facilities and projects manager Richard Whangapirita said the partnership between the rūnanganui and Temo was valuable to the wider community and had helped in resourcing critical assets.

“Both organisations are whānau-orientated and have the same goals. Our relationship is strong and has built steadily over recent years.”

Whangapirita said the fuel tank would be a big advantage during emergencies and added to what the hospital already had, including four-wheel drive vehicles and communication radios.

Temo also helped to access three 30,000-litre water tanks for the hospital, which is run under Ngāti Porou Oranga.