Te Hapori Community

In an emergency, community members are usually the first to help respond - whether its neighbours, whānau, community groups, or faith-based organisations.

While emergency services play a critical role in response alongside Auckland Emergency Management, communities that plan and act together can reduce the overall impact of emergencies, and recover more effectively.

Building a resilient community means ensuring that everyone is well connected, prepared, and knows how to respond in an emergency.

Communities are the backbone of emergency resilience. Getting to know your neighbours and building local connections before an emergency strikes means that when it does, your community is ready to support one another and recover stronger together.

There are many ways you can get involved and prepare with your local community:

• Get to know your neighbours: Find out who in your area might need extra support during an emergency, such as older people or those with specific needs. Learn who has what resources and what can be shared during an emergency.
• Check in: Offer support and keep communication open with your local network - small acts of connection and sharing information can make a real difference.
• Join a local group: Get involved with volunteer groups or community-based organisations focused on emergency preparedness in your area.

Community Emergency Hubs are places where communities can come together after an emergency. They act as meeting points where people can meet, coordinate local efforts, and support each other in their local area.

Unlike Civil Defence Centres run by official agencies, a Community Emergency Hub is managed by the community itself. These hubs enable locals to take charge of their immediate needs and help one another.

Key roles of Community Emergency Hubs include: 

• Information sharing: In an emergency, communication or lifelines could be disrupted. A Community Emergency Hub is a place to gather, share information, and get updates from emergency services.
• Coordinating help and resources: Hubs allow the community to share resources such as food, water, and medical supplies. They provide an organised way to identify who needs help and who can offer it, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
• Supporting one another: Emergencies can be stressful. Hubs are places where people can check in on each other and offer emotional support, creating a safe enviroment during difficult times.

A Community Plan can identify the specific needs and resources within your area and how you can support one another before, during, and after an emergency. We encourage all communities to create a plan for what they will do during an emergency.

There are several resources available to help your community build a plan and be more resilient. Please contact us for assistance.