Minister thanks local emergency teams

Three Bay of Plenty Emergency Response teams received certificates of appreciation last week, during meetings with the Minister of Civil Defence, Chris Tremain.

The three teams - NZ-RT15 (Rotorua), NZ-RT16 (Tauranga) and NZ-RT17 (Whakat?ne) - were deployed to assist with the search and rescue operations in Christchurch following the devastating earthquakes in February last year.

Chair of the Bay of Plenty Joint Committee for Emergency Management, John Forbes said the volunteer response teams performed difficult but important work in the response effort.

“We can’t thank these people enough for what they did for our friends and family in Christchurch,” Mr Forbes said.

“Search and rescue work is physically and mentally painstaking and emotionally demanding, but our teams didn’t hesitate to do everything they were asked.

“We are proud of the commitment of our people, the professional way they conducted themselves, and the selfless way they answered the call for help.

“The visit by the Minister and his presentations to our volunteers acknowledges that the efforts of the teams are appreciated.

“I also think the Minister’s visit is a reflection of the high regard we hold for the skilled people we have here in the Bay of Plenty,” he said.

If you’d like to know more, or want to volunteer to become a member of one of the response teams, please contact your local Emergency Management Office.