Te Hapori Community

In an emergency, , neighbours, whānau, friends, local community groups, faith-based organisations, and volunteer groups are usually the first to help people respond. . 

While emergency services like Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Police, and Ambulance play a critical role along with Auckland Emergency Management, communities that can support themselves help us better prioritise our response work.  

When communities plan and act together, they can reduce the overall impact of emergencies and recover more quickly. Building a resilient community means ensuring that everyone is prepared and knows how to respond in  an emergency.  

One of the best things you can do to prepare for an emergency is to get to know your neighbours and understand how your community will support each other during an emergency. .  

Neighbours and community members often know who might need extra help, such as the elderly or those with special needs. Offering support, checking in on one another, and sharing information during a emergency can save lives. The stronger the connections are within your community, the more resilient everyone will be in the face of emergencies. 

You can also get involved by joining local volunteer groups, such as Auckland Response Teams, or by working with community-based organisations focused on emergency preparedness. 

Emergency Hubs are places where the community can come together after an emergency. They act as meeting points where people can support each other, share resources, and talk.  

Unlike Civil Defence Centres, that are run by official agencies, Emergency Hubs are managed by the community itself. These hubs empower locals to take charge of their immediate needs and help one another. 

Key roles of Emergency Hubs include: 

• Information Sharing: After a emergency, communication lines may be down or unreliable. Emergency Hubs are a place to gather and share information about what’s happening, what resources are available, and where to find help. It’s also a place for emergency services to pass on important updates once they arrive. 
• 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 the 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 sense of community during difficult times.

Hubs rely on the initiative of local residents to manage their operations. It's important to know the location of your nearest Emergency Hub ahead of time.