He Waka eke noa, We are all in this together.
What will our Marae Resilience Strategy achieve?
During a severe weather event, it is likely that communities need to be self-sufficient for some time while an emergency response can be put in place.
To support this scenario, Waikato District Council is creating a framework for ongoing marae resilience, building capability, readiness and resources so marae can be better prepared face future severe weather events. We are taking an approach that is whaanau-centred, community-led and government-enabled kaupapa.
The goal is to take an intergenerational approach by building relationships and capacity between us all, to support the cultural significance, social cohesion, sustainable development and capacity of Marae, whaanau and wider communities.
The opportunities for our communities
Working collaboratively with marae and the agencies who support communities during emergency response, our team is coordinating a framework that will allow whaanau to build capacity, increase preparedness and improve resources.
Funding has been received from the Ministry of Social Development to support the development of council’s marae resilience programme. This funding is being distributed to Port Waikato marae and Te Kura Kaupapa o Te Puaha o Waikato, and our team is having ongoing discussions with marae representatives to understand their requirements and ambitions.
Workshops and ongoing training
Working with iwi authorities, Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM), Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK), Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), New
Zealand Police, and Hato Hone St John, Waikato District Council is coordinating a programme of workshops and training to build capacity and knowledge to support our communities during emergencies.
How can you get involved?
The more information we have about the specific needs of marae and whaanau to support improved marae resilience, the more we can design the services and training to meet those needs. Therefore, we ask you to complete our online form below, and we will be in touch with more information and to arrange a time to talk.
Together, we can build resilience and improve relationships for all our communities by taking the ‘Noah’ approach and build the waka before the flood.
Additional funding options
The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust Fund is open for applications from communities, iwi, hapū and marae in our district. Learn more.