Wed 15 Apr 20
Taumarunui Emergency Response Manager Phil Nesbit said that Civil Defence and community volunteers along with Maori Wardens have been critical to Taumarunui through the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown period.
While the Civil Defence Welfare function always has an important role to play in any emergency due to the nature of this event their role has grown significantly, he said.
We currently in Taumarunui have a total of 17 volunteers working with us during the lockdown comprising nine Council trained Civil Defence Welfare Officers supported by eight community volunteers and the Maori Wardens.
As the Taumarunui Response Manager I would like to personally thank all the volunteers for the fantastic work they are doing.
Most people would see have seen them assisting at Taumarunui New World where they have been on duty seven days a week from opening until close.
There they provide crowd management, ensure adherence to the COVID-19 Level 4 personal distancing and hygiene requirements, and help keep things peaceful at what is a very stressful time for many people.
As well their role at Taumarunui New World the volunteers have been busy assisting with delivering food bank parcels, meals on wheels and night time community patrols.
The Maori Wardens have had additional duties monitoring the 4 Square and local dairy while patrolling the Taumarunui CBD area.
Anyone who is fit and healthy and not in at risk category who would like to become a Civil Defence volunteer can call Toni at Council on 07 895 8188.
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