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Project Mission

Climate change and New Zealand's situation in a seismically active region makes our country susceptible to earthquakes, weather events, flooding and wild fire. Given this vulnerability, it is imperative to equip communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively respond to and recover from disaster-related events. The Listen Up NZ! Roadshow, including a mobile earthquake simulator, will deliver an innovative, engaging vehicle to educate, equip and prepare communities and businesses to more effectively respond as and when disaster strikes. Most importantly, the Listen Up NZ! Roadshow will tailor each programme to focus on the disaster(s) most likely to occur in their region or locale.

Project Description: The Listen Up NZ! Roadshow has three core components:

Educate: The Roadshow will deliver resilience-building workshops tailored to local schools, residents and businesses. The state-of-the-art mobile earthquake simulator will be a major drawcard, providing participants with an immersive experience of an earthquake, and will be equipped with educational materials and resources to further enhance participants’ understanding of earthquake preparedness.

Equip: In partnership with key sponsors and agencies, each community that hosts a Roadshow will receive an Emergency Response Container containing essential items to resource an immediate response to a disaster event. Items and equipment such as Emergency Grab Bags and earthquake-proof picture hooks will also be available for purchase.

Activate: Listen Up! will work closely with existing local emergency management initiatives and agencies with the aim to augment and enhance current plans and activity. Training and resources will be available to establish and/or support local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). The feasibility study will also explore options to engage with MSD to generate or resource local employment relating to 'disaster-proofing' homes, offices, buildings and facilities.

Expected Outcomes: Upon completion of the project development, Listen Up NZ aims to deliver a comprehensive report outlining the viability and potential impact of implementing the mobile earthquake simulator program. The findings will inform future planning and development efforts, laying the groundwork for a strategic approach towards enhancing community resilience in New Zealand.

Conclusion: The project development represents a crucial step towards realising the vision of empowering communities with essential knowledge and skills to mitigate the impact of earthquakes and other disaster events. By supporting this initiative, funders will contribute to fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience that is vital for safeguarding lives, economies and infrastructure of towns and communities across New Zealand.

The Listen Up NZ Community Roadshow for disaster preparedness and resilience education aims to make a significant impact on communities across New Zealand by empowering individuals & families with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters. Through interactive workshops, engaging presentations, and hands-on training sessions, the roadshow seeks to raise awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience, ultimately fostering a culture of safety and readiness within communities.

Empowering Communities

One of the primary goals of the Listen Up NZ Community Roadshow is to empower communities to take proactive steps towards disaster preparedness. By providing access to valuable resources, expert guidance, and practical tools, the roadshow will equip individuals with the information they need to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbours in the event of a disaster. This empowerment not only enhances community resilience but also fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among residents.

Raising Awareness

Through its engaging and informative sessions, the roadshow will play a crucial role in raising awareness about various types of disasters that can affect New Zealand, including earthquakes, floods, storms, and wildfires. By educating community members about potential risks and hazards, as well as effective mitigation strategies and response plans, the roadshow will help individuals make informed decisions that can save lives and minimise damage during emergencies.

Building Resilience

In addition to promoting preparedness, the Listen Up NZ Community Roadshow will focus on building resilience within communities. By emphasising the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and co-operation in times of crisis, the roadshow will encourage individuals to develop strong social networks, communication channels, and support systems that are essential for effective disaster response. This emphasis on resilience not only enhances community cohesion but also ensures that communities can bounce back quickly from adversity.

Fostering Sustainable Change

Ultimately, the social impact of the Listen Up NZ Community Roadshow will extend beyond individual workshops or presentations. By fostering sustainable change at the grassroots level, the roadshow creates a ripple effect that permeates throughout entire communities. As individuals become more knowledgeable, prepared, and resilient in the face of disasters, they serve as catalysts for positive change within their neighbourhoods, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a lasting legacy of safety and security.