Marae Preparedness

As part of our district-wide commitment to community resilience and emergency readiness, targeted work has been undertaken to support marae across the Tararua District in strengthening their preparedness for natural disasters and emergency events. Recognised as vital cultural and spiritual hubs, marae also play a critical role as places of refuge and support during crises. Ensuring they are equipped to respond effectively is a key priority within our civil defence planning framework.

This initiative involved close engagement with local marae committees to identify specific readiness needs, assess infrastructure capabilities, and provide tailored guidance on emergency planning. Support provided has included basic emergency supplies and resources, alongside advice on essential areas such as generator access, water and food storage, and communications capabilities.

Funding of $15,000 was allocated to six marae to carry out activities identified through needs assessments, enhancing their capacity to serve their communities when it matters most.