Building Neighbourhood Readiness
Practical tools supporting West Auckland communities to prepare and respond together
In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle and the Anniversary Weekend floods, many West Auckland communities experienced just how important street and neighbourhood connections are in the first days after a disaster. From that collective experience, a simple but powerful idea has taken shape—Disaster Readiness Kits designed to support people at a hyper-local level to step in, support one another, and respond together when it matters most. With funding from Auckland Council, 15 ‘Ready to Lead’ kits are being prepared and shared with existing neighbourhood resilience groups across West Auckland.
Each kit is designed to be held within a street or neighbourhood, rather than in a centralised hub, recognising that access can be limited during an emergency. Alongside practical items—many of which reflect what households might include in their own ‘go bags’—the kits include two A3 flip-file folders. These offer accessible ideas and tools to support collective action, from strengthening local connections to identifying resources and supporting those who may need extra care. They are designed to be easy to use, helping communities move quickly into action even in fast-moving and uncertain.
At the heart of this mahi is a focus on connection. These kits are not just about being prepared—they are about creating opportunities for neighbours to come together, share knowledge, and build relationships that make a real difference during and after a disaster. They can also be used in everyday settings too—at community gatherings, meetings, or events—sparking conversations and encouraging households to think about their own preparedness in a way that feels practical and achievable.
If you’re part of a street, neighbourhood, or community group in West Auckland, check out the Disaster Ready West Resources Hub. It brings together resources, group plans, contact details, and a way to see and map readiness and response activity across the West.
Sign up to the Disaster Ready West Pānui to receive updates, share learning, and stay connected with resilience and readiness work across West Auckland.
A Disaster Readiness Kit is also available to borrow from Community Waitākere for use at meetings or events, offering a hands-on way to spark ideas and conversations at a household or street level. If you’d like support to get your street or neighbourhood started, you can reach out to Shalema