The New Zealand Government has pledged an additional $23.1 million over the next four years to strengthen emergency response organisations.
This funding will help volunteer services repair damage caused by recent storms and upgrade equipment and training for future emergencies.
The new funding will cover repairs to Surf Life Saving clubs damaged by severe weather in 2023, including a new facility at Bethells Beach and repairs at Mangawhai Heads. Coastguard New Zealand will also receive funds to build a new base in Onehunga after its Tītīrangi station was destroyed during the Auckland anniversary floods.
The funding is divided across four key organisations: $14.6 million for Surf Life Saving NZ, $3.1 million each for Coastguard NZ and New Zealand Land Search and Rescue (LSAR), and $2.3 million for Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC).
Transport Minister Simeon Brown stated that the government is committed to preparing these frontline groups to save lives during emergencies. “This investment ensures they have the resources needed to respond quickly and effectively,” he said.
This funding responds to issues raised in a government report on the North Island’s severe weather events, which found that New Zealand’s emergency system needed better planning and equipment.
In addition to the new support, Surf Life Saving NZ and Coastguard NZ had already been allocated $63.6 million in the 2024 Budget. With this added boost, the government aims to improve readiness and coordination, ensuring volunteers are prepared for future challenges.
very interesting
I loved reading it because, I never knew that maybe chocolate might be gone in the future!
save the chocolate…
I enjoyed this reading because
it show what climate changes does!!
they might have to move most chocolate into a colder place, since the climate clock is getting low
so temperature might get higher.
i love chocolate
I’m allergic to dairy, but this makes me sad for my best friends all around NZ (don’t think it’s weird because I actually do). And my chocolate loving cousin, her name is Dana (I’m from South Korea and she told me how to spell her name in Korean but its not pronounced like Dana).
I know that there are chocolate lovers around the world so, poor them or if you like chocolate poor you (even though I’m allergic to dairy, or to make it easy dairy products: cheese, milk, butter etc).