Taskforce Kiwi

A massive thank you to the Syzmik Workwear team for their support!

Taskforce Kiwi recently had the opportunity to brief Ministers and MPs at Parliament in Wellington.

The event, co-hosted by Cushla Tangaere-Manuel MP, New Zealand Labour Party Spokesperson for Emergency Management and Recovery, and ACT MP Laura McClure MP, was an opportunity for TFK to provide an update on the work of our volunteers at home and abroad. As a strongly apolitical organisation, we were grateful that the event was sponsored by MPs from both the governing coalition and the Opposition, highlighting the cross-party focus on emergency management in New Zealand.

In addition to the briefing provided by Taskforce Kiwi’s National Director, Richard Adams, there were also speeches from the Hon Mark Mitchell MP, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, and the Hon Chris Penk MP, Minister of Defence and Minister for Veterans.

As well as discussing our work to date, it was a chance to detail the increased need for the services that TFK volunteers deliver across the nation, the limitations of a fully volunteer-run organisation meeting that need, and the gaps that currently exist that TFK is working to bridge. A big thank you to all Ministers, MPs, staff and TFK volunteers who took the time to attend.

A massive thank you to the team at Mitre 10 New Zealand for providing the tools our volunteers needed to get the job done in Wellington.

Taskforce Kiwi currently has two equipment caches, in Christchurch and Auckland, with the majority of our equipment already supplied by Mitre 10. The Wellington floods presented a logistical challenge, however Mitre 10 stepped up once again to provide the tools, equipment and PPE that our volunteers required to support those most in need.

Since we first deployed volunteers in the wake of the Auckland Anniversary floods in January 2023, Mitre 10 NZ has been there, enabling Taskforce Kiwi volunteers to help communities on their worst day.

Huge shout out to Taskforce Kiwi for rolling up their sleeves and getting hands-on to support 26 homes affected by last week’s flooding.👏🧡
Thanks to our Mitre 10 MEGA Wellington Petone, Upper Hutt and Porirua stores who have generously provided equipment and a permanent cache of emergency gear - helping keep Taskforce Kiwi ready, nimble, and effective whenever communities need support. This is what community backing community looks like. and these legends delivered in spades. 💪🌧️