After the 2023 floods, Makaurau Marae made a powerful call – they didn’t want to be left isolated again.

Today, they’re home to Auckland’s first Emergency Pod (EPOD): a mobile, solar-powered unit that provides communications, power, and essential gear to support a community through the first days of a disaster.

FIRST72 has been working with Tracey Sanday, who leads emergency planning at the marae.

The result is one of our most advanced setups yet – a Smart EPOD with solar and battery systems that provide up to four days of off-grid power.

We did an induction with the marae group and local community reps, alongside Te Puni Kōkiri, Auckland Emergency Management, and Auckland Council, who’ll be involved in the next stage of support – training, connection, and whatever else is needed.

This was fully self-funded by the marae. The equipment was customised to meet their needs – including their own base radio and a Tier 3 simplex channel for direct comms between the marae, neighbouring marae, and Auckland Emergency Management.

An awesome project to be part of – and we’re continuing to support other communities across Auckland and Northland to lead their own preparedness journeys.

This one was something special.

He waka eke noa

We are all in this together

Check out more photos of Makaurau Marae EPOD on LinkedIn

Ngā mihi,

Harry McPhail

Co-Founder & CEO, FIRST72