Spots available on Tairawhiti LAC committee

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Fire and Emergency NZ's Tairawhiti local advisory committee is already making a positive difference to managing the region's risks, says its acting chair.

The committee was formed early last year and because of Covid constraints it was “quite hard” to operate, acting chair Louise Bennett said.

“But the next six months has been different and we've achieved a lot.”

The committee has had meetings with key stakeholders like Turanga Health, Te Puni Kokiri, Federated Farmers and the region's FENZ volunteers.

“Fire and Emergency NZ wants to be seen as more than a response agency,” Mrs Bennett said.

“FENZ wants to increase its involvement in risk reduction and preparing to meet the demands of emergency management as well as recovery.

“For FENZ to be able to do that work we need to identify the risks and issues, and that's where the LAC committee comes in.”

The committee is down to four members from the original six.

Bennett said they would like to get three more people.

Applications are being taken and close on August 15.

“The LAC is designed to provide FENZ with a voice from the people about what the region's risks, issues and challenges are, and these inform strategies and policies set by the board.

“I feel that for our first year it has been very worthwhile knowing our communities risks and issues are being heard by the board. It's been great for us because our risks in Tairawhiti are different from those in places like Auckland.

“Joining the committee is an opportunity for local people interested in and passionate about their community — people who have strong connections, and who want to make a positive impact.

“We are not involved in the operational everyday running of FENZ but have good relationships with our local and regional staff who are also supportive of the LACs.

“A senior staff member from FENZ comes to our engagement meetings to show the relationship between LACs and our local staff.

Those interested should email LACs@fireandemergency.nz or contact FENZ in Gisborne.