Cleanup efforts continue

Taskforce Kiwi aimed to use the skills and experience of military and emergency services veterans to help communities recover from natural disasters, whether in New Zealand or overseas. However the organisation also welcomed volunteers without training or professional service experience.

The team were particularly keen to hear from people with skills and experience such as emergency construction and repair, debris clearance, plant operations, logistics and distribution, water sanitation, first aid and medical support, mental health and psychological first aid, and evacuee and refugee co-ordination. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up on the website at taskforcekiwi.org.

While seeing the relief and gratitude on the faces of residents was half the reward, Adams said his favourite part was the camaraderie between the volunteers.

‘‘You become a bit of a team over there, that’s part of the reason for Taskforce

Kiwi existing – is to provide a network for emergency service personnel who may not otherwise have that.

‘‘Last time was great. We just all have a common background so we could all talk the same bullshit. It’s just good to be around likeminded people, with a sense of purpose.’’

The work would no doubt be physically demanding but Adams said he was least looking forward to the mid-30-degree temperatures forecast all week, he said.

‘‘We might have to have a cold one after that.’’