people in high visibility gear and hard hats loading a patient onto a stretcher

NZ-RT members are volunteers who enjoy a physically and mentally challenging environment. Our NZ-RTs are qualified responders who share a common passion to support Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups and their communities during an emergency event.

We welcome a diverse range of volunteers to our team. Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and cover a range of emergency roles. You will benefit from being taught both core and specialist skills and maintained these, during regular meetings and training exercises, as well as being part of a high-performing team.

A smiling volunteer in uniform behind a low table in a gazebo

How we help when things get tough:

  • NZ-RTs do a lot of different tasks in an emergency, including: Light Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), cordon management, flood response, and storm response.
  • Support emergency services
  • Assist with public notifications and evacuations
  • Support and staffing for Emergency Operations Centres
  • Establish and manage Civil Defence and welfare centres

Responders will need to be able to:

  • Commit to no notice/short notice deployment into the field – family and work would come first
  • Be physically and medically fit to perform response roles
  • Pass a New Zealand Police background check
  • Attend a minimum of 70% of weekly training activities per year
  • Have their Full Class One motor vehicle licence (preferred).

Skills and attributes required:

  • Can operate in a small team in physically and mentally challenging environments
  • Able to follow instructions
  • Can use your initiative to solve problems
  • Able to verbally communicate and relate to a variety of people
  • Can work at your best under pressure while being a team player.

Our Response Team trains every Wednesday night from 7pm-9pm. A minimum of 70% attendance each year is required. All relevant PPE is supplied to each member, as well as relevant training and guidance in the use of it.

For a team member to be badged, they must complete the initial core courses which include:

  • First Aid
  • Light Rescue
  • EMTC Emergency Preparedness

To be deployable for out-of-region events, the following courses must also be completed:

  • Flood Response
  • Storm Response
  • Light 4WD
  • Intro to CDC
  • Movement Control
  • Aircraft Awareness

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