The ‘Good and Ready’ workshop is organized by the New Zealand Red Cross in collaboration with the Queenstown council’s ‘Welcoming Communities’ initiative.
The event is co-facilitated by local ‘Good and Ready’ champions Carol Morgan and Jean-Marc Bouvet, who have strong ties to Queenstown’s South American and French-speaking communities, respectively.
Steve King, leading the Red Cross’ regional support team, highlights that migrant communities face higher risks during emergencies due to unfamiliarity with local hazards and potential oversights in receiving emergency alerts, as seen during the early COVID-19 period.
King also mentions a reduced outreach in Queenstown due to the Lakes Multicultural Collective scaling back its activities, failing to secure necessary funding.
“We aim to build a strong volunteer base here to spread ‘Good and Ready’ messages within their communities.”
“We’re looking for individuals willing to train as ‘Good and Ready’ champions and emergency preparedness messengers.”
King points out that the Queenstown council has been proactive in developing emergency plans because of the area’s proximity to the alpine fault, emphasizing that “geologists tell us it’s a matter of when, not if”.
The workshop will take place at the Queenstown Events Centre’s meeting room from 6 to 7:30 pm, with light refreshments served at 5:30 pm.
To participate, email southern.area@redcross.org.nz
scoop@scene.co.nz
