Warm smiles and a dry roof for flood-affected people in the South
7 October 2024
Two of the wettest days in over a hundred years left a number of Dunedin and Otago people without safe homes or stranded away from home last week.
The Dunedin Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST), supported by duty managers, were asked by Civil Defence to set up and support two welfare centres in Dunedin and to assist with one in Milton.
Those in the centres ranged from people who self-evacuated as flood waters rose, a family who narrowly missed being caught in a slip, and several tourists who could not leave the city as roads closed one after another.
Another family left their home as water started to enter it – and brought their four cats and dog.
Dunedin team members Tracey Cuthbertson (L) and Ciara White
One stranded dad in a Dunedin welfare centre praised the team’s hospitality. He was particularly relieved that the DWST trucks and trailers carry items to amuse small children to lessen the burden on stressed parents.
Coordinated by senior team members in the Dunedin City Council emergency operating centre, the team had 116 residents and tourists in the three centres over two nights.
Working with Civil Defence, the local Lions club, and others, the team were able to provide a safe place to bed down, a listening ear, food and security.
In Dunedin, the centres had a sporting theme. The first welfare space was at St Clair Golf Club. When it filled up, a second location was opened at Forsyth Barr Stadium, where people had a great view of the rugby field.
In Milton, Dunedin DWST members were helping Te Whare Puāwai o Tokomairaro at a Civil Defence Centre there.
Over the course of several days, the team did a number of other tasks too, from helping with sandbagging, providing psychosocial support while accompanying building inspectors, delivering some Meals on Wheels, getting medication to the right places for people, and checking on a local refugee family.
We are only able to respond to communities like these when in need because of our Disaster Response Alliance (NZ Post, Woolworths, Warehouse, ASB) and New Zealand Red Cross supporters who ensure our DWST are fully equipped, trained and able to be deployed at a moments 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.
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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
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See our step-by-step guide to help you be better prepared for an emergency or disaster.
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Find out more about our role in preparing for and responding to disasters in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our disaster and emergency support
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Safe haven from flooding with toys and a view
Lead photo: Team member Sarita Love on the job in Milton