Tairāwhiti has experienced significant events that have had detrimental effects on our most vulnerable communities. Our community's preparedness for the “big one” given our proximity to the Hikurangi Subduction Zone and potential tsunami is always at the forefront of the minds of our rural and coastal communities. In the heart of Tairāwhiti, our marae stand as cultural icons and as critical hubs of resilience and self-sufficiency.

The Marae Emergency Preparedness and Resilience project, a collaboration involving Gisborne District Council, Te Puni Kokiri, Toitu Tairāwhiti, iwi, and hapu, empowers hāpori to respond to and recover from major emergencies. The project developed community-specific, critical risk-based plans in partnership with local iwi and hapū. By providing emergency resources to implement community-based disaster support systems, the initiative enhances self-sufficiency and resilience. Ensuring that Tairāwhiti is equipped with necessary resources to maintain autonomy and withstand challenges posed by severe weather events and natural disasters.