The exercise, which she described as the highlight of the programme, would involve a total of about 75 people, with contributing agencies including Fire and Emergency NZ, the police, St John, the Red Cross, Far North Surf Rescue and a commercial Salt Air helicopter.
"Members of the public should be aware that there will be helicopters transiting from the Mangonui fire station to the exercise area near Taipa, along with smoke, emergency services vehicles around the area and rescue vessels on the water," she added.
A graduation ceremony for the young people and their families would follow next weekend, when the participants would also be offered the opportunity to volunteer for two months with the emergency service of their choice.