Waitaki Civil Defence Volunteers recognised

Published on 01 September 2023

Several Civil Defence volunteers from across Waitaki were celebrated and acknowledged for their years of service, yesterday evening in a ceremony at the Oamaru Opera House.

Gary Kircher, Waitaki District Mayor and John Price, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Emergency Management Agency joined Emergency Management Otago to thank the volunteers for their commitment and present them with a certificate of Long Service, a letter of thanks from the Minister and a medal.

Mayor Kircher said “I personally know a number of the people acknowledged tonight and it is comforting to think our district has the benefit of their combined years of Civil Defence experience, training and dedication to call on in a time of crisis”.

Murray Linwood was thanked for his 30 years’ service which included acting as a local controller for a number of years. Ngaire Joyce of Dunback who has completed 20 years of service, was thrilled to be presented with flowers acknowledging her commitment.

“Emergency management is not just a role, it’s a calling – and our volunteers are at the heart of any emergency response and they place their communities that they serve at the centre of their actions,” John Price said.

“Volunteers feel a strong sense of duty to serve and protect our fellow humans – the same duty that drives everyone in emergency management. Thank you for everything you do for your community, and thanks too to your whanau and families who are the foundation that enable and support you when you have to drop everything and get involved in a response. You can and do make a difference every day. You remain the few who step up to serve the many”.

Community members thanked for 10 years’ service to Civil Defence were: If you would like more information, advice, or wish to volunteer for Civil Defence please contact Ewen Graham on ewen.graham@otagocdem.govt.nz

If you would like more information, advice, or wish to volunteer for Civil Defence please contact Ewen Graham on ewen.graham@otagocdem.govt.nz