Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO) has been engaged by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to deliver the Enhanced Taskforce Green (ETFG) programme, managing two clean-up crews in Tasman’s flood recovery. The ETFG is a government-funded initiative supporting communities in the wake of major emergency events. This follows the recent record-breaking rainfall and severe flooding across the Nelson Tasman region which caused widespread damage and disrupted the lives of many residents.
The ETFG initiative will employ eighteen job seekers split into two teams to contribute to the recovery and clean-up efforts over an initial 12-week period. Teams received initial health, safety and skills training at the Whenua Iti Outdoors base in Lower Moutere before deployment to priority worksites. It is expected that the ETFG teams will assist over 24 properties in the region. During their time with the ETFG they will gain skills and experience they can take into their future job search. Participants are paid the living wage for taking part in the programme.
Flood affected Tapawera farmer Tim Leyland was grateful for the support, “A lot of human power is needed to get the farms up and operational again. Any assistance is much appreciated. The farm was essentially devastated. All the fences have been affected so there’s a lot of debris on the on the wires which needs taking off. There’s trees in the paddocks, there’s gravel in the paddocks, there’s silt. Farm buildings were flooded,” he said.
Job seekers hard at work clearing flood damaged properties in Tasman were unanimous in their sense of purpose, “To give back is sort of everything, that’s our part to play right? And, to help the wider community. It’s just full of joy. They appreciate the help a lot.” – ETFG Participant.
“What this means for me, as the person coming out here to help, just seeing the faces, the worry, you know? Who’s going to help get this place back to normal? It’s just a blessing to get out there and come and help some people out.” – ETFG Participant.
WIO, an organisation with a long-standing partnership with MSD, has been recognised for its specialist expertise in outdoor experiential learning, group facilitation and safety management in dynamic environments. Their involvement in the taskforce is a purpose-built response, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the region’s recovery efforts by supporting both the land and its people.
“Our operational staff are highly trained to work in the outdoors and are ideally placed to facilitate a group during the taskforce’s clean-up work,” says Mark Bruce-Miller, CEO of Whenua Iti Outdoors.
“Our team regularly works with diverse groups in outdoor settings, often in challenging or unpredictable conditions. This means we’re well prepared to ensure the teams can support affected property owners across the region whilst ensuring a safe and productive experience for everyone involved.”
WIO will provide transport, supervision and safety support for both teams, with two staff members allocated to each group throughout the 12-week programme. Importantly, the organisation will also provide lunch for all participants daily. This gesture aims to acknowledge the value of the workers’ contribution and build a strong group identity.
“We see this initiative not only as practical support for the region but also as a powerful opportunity for the new employees to develop into high-performing teams,” adds Bruce-Miller. “We want these individuals to feel they are part of something meaningful. Providing lunch every day is a small but important way to enhance the mana of everyone and help them feel connected and valued as a part of our team.”
Although WIO’s operations were only minimally affected by the flooding, many staff members live in areas that were hit hard, with some experiencing significant damage to their homes and properties.
“Thankfully, our site came through the floods relatively unscathed,” says Bruce-Miller. “But our staff, many of whom are deeply embedded in the community, haven’t been immune to the impacts particularly those who live closer to the Motueka river. Some are active in local Land Search and Rescue and other emergency response teams and have already been helping during the peak of the weather event. They are incredibly supportive of this project and keen to help in any way they can.
“Being part of this taskforce is another way we can collectively continue to give back. In times like these, it’s essential that we come together as a community to support one another.”
“The recovery ahead will take time and it won’t be easy. At Whenua Iti, we believe in role modelling values that contribute towards supporting and uplifting both each other and our wider communities. This taskforce is one way we can help foster that spirit of collective responsibility and community.”