FIRST72 began back in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As global supply chains became disrupted, our team worked with communities to source PPE and emergency supplies. This work uncovered a concerning reality: many New Zealanders were not only underprepared for a pandemic, but the broader risks posed by natural disasters.
Following COVID-19, extreme weather events continued to hit the East Coast of the North Island, and the devastating effects caused by forestry slash were leaving many rural communities vulnerable, isolated and alone. Being based in Hawke’s Bay, our team wanted to do something about it but quickly recognised that many of these issues required more than just reactive measures. Our attention then quickly turned to support communities in preparing for emergencies, particularly those that risked becoming isolated for prolonged periods.
Recognising the need for community solutions, our team developed the EPOD. These specialist emergency pods became our flagship solution, designed to support communities and make them self-sufficient with essential resources for the critical first 72 hours after an event. Through a partnership with Te Whare Maire o Tapu Whānau Ora, we placed 25 of EPODs across the Wairoa region to strengthen resilience. Each EPOD was tailored to meet the unique needs of its community, several of them being maraes, and empowering locals to respond quickly, confidently and in a way that they know best.
By sheer chance, we delivered the final EPOD of this initial Wairoa project just three days before Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the region. Many communities were cut-off for weeks and even months following the destruction to SH2 between Napier and Wairoa. This somewhat unbelievable timing underscored the importance of our work—as we later learnt how vital these EPODs were, becoming lifelines to communities in providing resources and support to those affected during one of the most significant disasters the area had faced.
The importance of the EPOD initiative propelled us to think bigger. What started as a localised effort evolved into FIRST72, a national mission-driven organisation committed to supporting communities and organisations across New Zealand. Today, our work aims to strengthen emergency management at every level through equipment, training and support services. Through collaboration with a wide range of partners, we’ve expanded our reach, network and expertise, and built a reputation as leaders in emergency preparedness and resilience.
Emergency management is a vast and complex responsibility and we recognise that our work is not reaching some of our most vulnerable communities. So in early 2025, we will be launching the FIRST72 Foundation.
The FIRST72 Foundation’s mission is to ensure greater equality for all when it comes to emergency preparedness, helping to break the cycle of inequity and vulnerability by providing resources and support to some of our most at-risk communities that have, or may, be disproportionally impacted or affected by emergencies and disasters of all types (including those relating to climate change). The disparities in emergency preparedness across the country has created a cycle of vulnerability where those communities most affected by disasters become the least able to prepare and recover from them.
Where local council, CDEM, government, third-party or private funding is unavailable, the FIRST72 Foundation will work with those communities to provide support in applying for other funding sources, in addition to, and where foundation criteria is met, provide funding and appropriate solutions to meet community needs.
If you are keen to become a founding member or supporter of the FIRST72 Foundation, please contact us.
Find out how our EPOD Emergency & Disaster Pods can build resilience and self-sufficiency in your community. Download our helpful guide.
