Workshop targets migrant communities

An emergency preparedness workshop being held in Queenstown this coming Tuesday is partly targeting migrant communities.

The ‘Good and Ready’ workshop’s being organised by New Zealand Red Cross and Queenstown council’s ‘Welcoming Communities’ initiative.

It’s also being co-facilitated by local ‘Good and Ready’ champions Carol Morgan and Jean-Marc Bouvet who are connected with Queenstown’s South American and French-speaking communities, respectively.

Steve King, who heads Red Cross’ regional support team, says migrant communities are at greater risk in emergencies because they’re unaware of local hazards and may miss emergency messaging as happened during the early stages of Covid.

King adds their reach into Queenstown has lessened because the Lakes Multicultural Collective has curtailed its activities as it’s been unsuccessful in attracting funding.

"We want to get a really good pool of volunteers established here who can take ‘Good and Ready’ messaging back into their communities.

"So we want people who would be happy to be trained to be our ‘Good and Ready’ champions and emergency preparedness messengers, if you like."

King notes Queenstown council’s also been actively developing emergency plans because of this area’s proximity to the alpine fault — "and geologists tells us it’s going to be when, not if".

Tuesday’s workshop is at the Queenstown Events Centre’s meeting room from 6 till 7.30pm, following light refreshments at 5.30pm.

To attend, email southern.area@redcross.org.nz

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