23/02/2026
We gained a bunch of new followers after that recent nearby earthquake!
So what is the Wānaka Community Resilience Group, you ask?
You may have felt that recent wobble. The light tremor from a recent earthquake was brief, but it was enough to make many of us pause. Just for a moment, it cut through busy lives and reminded us that we live in a place shaped by mountains, weather and fault lines.
A few years ago, one of our members experienced their first proper earthquake, and that same pause turned into a question. How prepared were we, really, as a family and as a town? That question eventually led to the Wānaka Community Resilience Group (WCRG).
The WCRG is a volunteer‑run group formed to help our community prepare for and respond to major emergency events such as earthquakes, flooding, fire and severe weather. It does not replace emergency services or Civil Defence. Instead, its role is to support the local community, particularly in situations where those services are stretched or cannot reach everyone straight away.
So what does that look like in practice?
In a large‑scale emergency, the WCRG helps establish Community Emergency Hubs. These are physical places where people can go to find reliable, locally relevant information, let others know they are safe, offer help or skills, and reconnect with neighbours. The hubs are designed as connection points for the community, working alongside Emergency Management Otago, not as rescue centres. The group has volunteers across different parts of town, which means support can be more localised if access to the centre of Wānaka is disrupted. This matters in a place like ours. Our main access routes rely on mountain passes and bridges, and in a significant earthquake or weather event, we could be cut off from road access and utilities for an extended period.
That is why so much of the WCRG’s work happens before anything goes wrong.
A core focus is education and awareness, helping households think about simple preparedness. Having a basic plan, knowing how to contact family members, keeping enough food and water on hand, and checking in on neighbours who may need extra support. Small, practical steps that make a big difference if shops close or services are disrupted. If you would like practical guidance on how to prepare at home, the national Get Ready website is an excellent starting point, with clear and accessible advice for all households.
The WCRG needs people who want to help strengthen community resilience. No emergency experience is required, and there are many ways to contribute, from volunteering time to sharing skills or resources.
Preparedness does not start with sirens. It starts with neighbours. And sometimes, with a small wobble underfoot.
If you're interested in helping our group grow and strengthen, we encourage you to reach out. More hands and connections will be of huge value when they are desperately needed. Please email [email protected] to request to join the mailing list or offer assistance. We would really appreciate your help!
