COMMUNITY PROJECT #415 - DISASTER RESILIENCE HUBS
Mission Statement:
To transform local marae into autonomous "Resilience Hubs" equipped with the energy, water, and communication infrastructure to serve as safe havens during extreme weather events.
The Needs Assessment:
Te Tai Tokerau is vulnerable to "Arterial Blockages"—when SH1 or the "Colonial Grid" fails during a storm, our communities are isolated. This is a high-entropy state of "Disorder" that leaves whānau in danger. We need "Distributed Sovereignty" that allows the region to "island" itself energetically and socially when the main systems go down.
Core Objectives:
Upgrade 5 pilot marae with Starlink satellite internet, 10kW solar battery backup, and 5000L water filtration units.
Establish a "Resilience Team" at each marae trained in civil defence protocols and emergency first aid.
Create a regional "Mesh Network" of hubs that can communicate with each other even when the national grid is offline.
Ensure each hub has the "Mauri Tū" (status quo) capacity to feed and house 100 people for 7 days without outside support.
Stakeholder Map:
Marae Committees: To manage the physical infrastructure and emergency response.
Civil Defence (EMN): For coordination and training support.
Local Farmers: For backup food supply and heavy machinery access.
Tech Partners: For the installation of satellite and renewable energy systems.
The "Impact" Model:
This project treats the marae as an "Economic Pā" that provides "Ontological Security." It is funded by a mix of regional resilience grants and community "Saver" funds. By investing in these assets now, we avoid the massive "Thermodynamic Loss" of life and property during the next climate event.
Engagement Strategy:
We will hold "Resilience Wānanga" to run simulations and "Emergency Drills," making it a community event that builds confidence. We’ll frame the project as "Future-Proofing our Whakapapa."
Resource Requirements:
Starlink kits and high-capacity battery storage (e.g., Tesla Powerwalls).
UV and carbon water filtration systems for rainwater tanks.
Bulk emergency food stores and first aid kits.
VHF radios for short-wave communication between hubs.
Timeline of Action:
Week 1: Audit the 5 pilot marae for existing water and energy capacity.
Week 2: Purchase and distribute Starlink and battery hardware.
Week 3: Conduct the first "First Aid & Radio" training for the Resilience Teams.
Week 4: Official "Island Test"—running the marae for 24 hours entirely off-grid.
Mauri Assessment
Te Taiao (Environment): +1 — Encourages the use of renewable energy and rainwater harvesting.
Te Ahurea (Culture): +2 — Re-establishes the marae as the central point of safety and mana for the community.
Te Tangata (Social): +2 — Directly provides safety and peace of mind during catastrophic events.
Te Pūtea (Economic): +1 — Reduces the long-term economic impact of disasters by ensuring localized resilience.
