Brooklyn School is now equipped to serve as a civil defence hub, giving its community a safe and warm place to gather during future emergencies.
The Brooklyn community was hit hard by last year’s flooding, and by ex-tropical cyclone Gita in 2018. Principal Chris Kemp says the school approached the Motueka Lions Club with a proposal to strengthen its ability to support residents during severe weather events.
Essential whiteware and a generator have been purchased, with assistance from Motueka’s Reliance Betta Electrical. Chris says the school has prepared suitable storage and operations areas for the appliances.
Lions’ member William Mitchell says the initiative builds on the group’s ongoing support for the community since the flooding, and backing the proposal was an easy decision.
Chris says the upgrades will provide a safe, warm location where residents can access essential services such as power, refrigeration, hot food and drinks, and a place to gather while emergency services and infrastructure are restored.
