Safe haven from flooding with toys and a view
8 October 2024
Mark Wills was in Dunedin for a couple of hours with his two children to meet friends when the road closed behind them and left them stranded.
Unable to get back to Waikouaiti, Mark, River (2) and Maddox (4) spent the night in a Civil Defence welfare centre co-ordinated by New Zealand Red Cross.
“Red Cross have been really hospitable, and the kids have been having fun, but this wasn’t the plan.”
Mark and whānau are from Alexandra but were staying in Waikouaiti. The only path back to the township closed, however, when State Highway 1 shut. A plan to get back to Alexandra instead was halted when both main routes, through Middlemarch or Lawrence, closed as well.
Finding himself on an island of sorts, and with no signs of the roads reopening, his wife texted him that there was a Civil Defence Centre set up at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
“It sounded like a great idea – a way to stay safe and keep the kids happy, warm and fed.
“The Red Cross team here has been lovely. I’ve been overwhelmed with help and support here. They’ve asked whether we needed any meds or had any allergies. And they have looked after the kids so well.
“It’s really good to keep the kids busy with the toys they had ready, and the food. And it keeps the parents happy too, and less anxious.”
The view of the famous pitch from the corporate box was an added bonus, Mark smiled.
As River and Maddox made forts out of the tables and chairs behind him, having slept soundly on stretchers, Mark was feeling cheerful and making plans to get back as soon as the road opened, one way or the other.
Happily, what could have been a stressful night turned into an adventure with the help of Civil Defence and our Disaster Welfare and Support volunteers.
Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Teams are based across New Zealand and are often requested by Civil Defence to set up and support welfare centres in emergencies.
We are only able to respond to communities like these when in need because of our Disaster Response Alliance – NZ Post, Woolworths, the Warehouse, ASB – and our supporters who ensure our teams are fully equipped, trained and able to be sent into the field at a moment’s notice.
Ways you can help
Make a donation
Climate change is causing more frequent and more intense weather events. We need to be ready to deploy our people, specialist disaster response equipment, supplies, and technical expertise at a moment’s notice anywhere across the motu.
By making a donation, you’ll help us continue to give life-changing assistance to those impacted by the next emergency we face.
Donate to where the need is greatest
Become a Disaster Response Alliance partner
Our Disaster Response Alliance partners provide critical support for our response and relief efforts.
Learn more about the Disaster Response Alliance, how it helps communities in an emergency and how you can become a partner.
Become a future volunteer
We follow the direction of lead agencies when responding to an emergency. We only deploy appropriately trained Red Cross people as disaster welfare support volunteers.
Many of our Disaster Welfare and Support Teams are on the lookout for new members.
This involves applying and training for the role, which means that you can help us get ready for the next emergency.
More information
Staying safe and up-to-date in an emergency
We hope you and your whānau are okay and staying safe.
In an emergency, if your life is in immediate danger call 111.
Follow the National Emergency Management (NEMA), and regional Civil Defence Emergency websites and social media channels. They have up-to-date information including the location of Civil Defence Centres. The NEMA website has a handy list of all the regional website and social media pages.
Caring for yourself and others
We have practical support and information to help you care for yourself and others after disasters and emergencies.
See our guidance on caring for yourself and others
Preparing for a disaster or emergency
See our step-by-step guide to help you be better prepared for an emergency or disaster.
Our role in disaster response
Find out more about our role in preparing for and responding to disasters in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our disaster and emergency support
Related stories
Warm smiles and a dry roof for flood-affected people in the South
Lead photo: Mark Willis and his children River (2) and Maddox (4).