One of the Hastings district's smallest communities will celebrate the first birthday of its emergency management group this weekend.
The Maraekakaho Civil Defence emergency group has been in place for just over 12 months and now has more than 30 volunteers.
Over half of the group have been trained to staff the emergency centre and are also proficient in administering first aid. A further 10 volunteers have completed a certificate in managing an emergency centre.
The Maraekakaho emergency group also covers the nearby areas of Kereru, Raukawa, Torran and Te Onepu and complements the rural fire group which was formed in 2008.
Hastings district councillor Mick Lester, who lives in the Maraekakaho district, said without the commitment of civil defence volunteers, services to the wider community in the event of an emergency would be "severely restricted".
"Volunteers come from all walks of life and fulfil a range of roles during an emergency, including rescue, relief and welfare services," Mr Lester said.
"We are extremely grateful to those people in our rural communities who are prepared to devote their time to volunteering for civil defence," he said.
This weekend's family fun day included the opportunity to meet the volunteers, look at new and old fire appliances, celebrate the first birthday with the cutting of a birthday cake and access information on how to survive in an emergency.
Hastings District Council's emergency management staff would support the day, which will be held at Maraekakaho School from 10am to 2pm on Sunday.