Emergency Evacuation Planning in Papakura
When emergency strikes Papakura, your first instinct might be to evacuate immediately. However, Auckland Emergency Management's official advice is clear: "In most emergencies, it's best to stay in...
When Disaster Strikes, Community Emergency Hubs Spring Into Action
When Cyclone Gabrielle tore through Auckland in February 2023, the Takanini Gurudwara Temple transformed overnight. What started as a place of worship became a lifeline for hundreds of displaced...
5 Simple Steps Every Papakura Household Needs
Remember the January 2023 floods that left parts of Auckland underwater? While we can't predict when the next emergency will strike, we can prepare for it. The new Papakura Local Board Emergency...
Community Flood Resilience: Papakura’s Front-Footed Flood Response
If you live in Papakura, you probably remember exactly where you were during the January 2023 storms. The water came fast, and it came hard – leaving many of us dealing with flooded homes,...
Twin Parks Street Meet: Building Stronger Neighbourhoods in Papakura
There’s something special about neighbours coming together over a simple sausage sizzle—and on June 21st, 2025, the residents of Twin Parks in Papakura experienced exactly that. Their very first...
Disaster-Ready Church Workshop in Papakura
On a crisp winter morning, the Adventist Church on Alpha Street came alive with purpose and collaboration as it hosted an inspiring community resilience workshop focused on emergency readiness....
Papakura’s Amazing New Park Opens Next Week – And It Could Save Your Home From Flooding
Mark your calendars: Tuesday, June 10th from 3-5pm! Auckland Council is officially opening Ōpaheke Park in Papakura – and this isn't just any ordinary park. This clever 40-hectare space is designed...
Climate Change and Flooding: What’s the Connection?
In recent years, Auckland streets have turned into rivers during major storms. Homes have been damaged, and daily life has been disrupted by flooding. While flooding has always happened in New...
Inside the Nerve Centre of Emergency Response: CRN Visits Auckland Emergency Management
On a recent visit to the Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) headquarters, a delegation from the Community Resilience Network (CRN) Papakura was given an eye-opening behind-the-scenes look into how...
Psychological First Aid: Supporting One Another in Papakura During Emergencies
When floods, storms, or other crises hit Papakura, most of us instinctively check on physical safety first. Yet our minds need care just as urgently. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a simple,...
When Gadgets Go Up in Smoke: Why E-Waste Fires Are Serious Business
The recent massive fire at a recycling plant on Hillside Rd in Wairau Valley is a good reminder of the dangers e-waste fires pose to our community. Over the past three years Tāmaki Makaurau has...
Beyond the Big Ones: 9 Lesser-Known Disaster Risks
[This article was written using information obtained from an AEM presentation entitled “Lesser-known hazards of Tamaki Makaurau Auckland” during the first annual Community Civil Defence and...
How to Build a Personalised Grab Bag for You and Your Whānau
Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time, and when disaster strikes, having a well-prepared grab bag can make all the difference. Whether it’s a flood, earthquake, power outage, or other...
Toxic Smoke Preparedness FAQs
Why is smoke from fires dangerous? Smoke contains hazardous chemicals that can be more harmful than flames. Inhaling it, even briefly, can cause severe health issues or death. Fires involving...
Unveiling the South Auckland Response Team: A Vital Volunteer Force for Our Community
On December 14th, 2025, members of the Papakura Community Resilience Network visited the South Auckland Response Team (NZRT-South) at their new headquarters at Ardmore Airport. Team Leader Daniel...
Papakura’s New Emergency Readiness Plan: A Community Call to Action
Emergencies can strike at any time, and being prepared is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbourhood. The Papakura Local Board recently adopted the Papakura Emergency...
New Zealand Response Team FAQs
What is an NZRT? New Zealand Response Teams (NZRTs) are teams of skilled, qualified volunteer first responders who provide support to communities and Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups during...