The government has announced an additional $23.1 million in funding over the next four years for some essential frontline volunteer service organisations. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve national resilience in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies.
“This funding will repair and replace Surf Life Saving assets that were damaged in the 2023 North Island weather events, including a replacement to the Surf Life Saving club at Bethels Beach and repairs to the Mangawhai Heads club that was damaged following a landslide,” said Transport Minister Simeon Brown.
“Coastguard New Zealand will replace its base at Tītīrangi, which was destroyed in the Auckland anniversary floods, with a new base in Onehunga to keep Kiwis safe on the Manukau Harbour, while LSAR and AREC will have funding to increase training and deliver much-needed response equipment to find the lost and assist those who get injured or go missing across the country.”
“The investment our government is making will better equip and prepare organisations to continue saving lives, communities, and livelihoods when faced with emergency situations,” Brown added.
Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey also said that “this urgently needed investment will lead to quicker, more coordinated responses and ensure that hard-working volunteers have what they need to protect themselves and others.”
$14.6 million of the said fund is designated for Surf Life Saving NZ, $3.1 million for Coastguard New Zealand, another $3.1 million for New Zealand Land Search and Rescue, and $2.3 million for Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.
This supplements the previously designated funding of $63.6 million over four years for Surf Life Saving NZ and Coastguard NZ included in Budget 2024.
The additional funding for the organisations is based on the findings of the Report of the Government Inquiry into the North Island Severe Weather Events. The report indicated that New Zealand’s emergency management system is inadequate and has insufficient investment in preparedness planning, operations, and equipment.