The Wānaka Community Resilience Group is hosting GET READY Wānaka, a free, family-friendly community event designed to help households feel more prepared — and more connected — in the face of emergencies.

The event will be held in front of Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka and offers locals the chance to meet their local emergency services and community response teams in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

On the day, the community can meet representatives from the Wānaka Volunteer Fire Brigade, Hato Hone St John Ambulance, Wānaka Police, Coastguard, Wānaka Search and Rescue (LandSAR), and Emergency Management Otago (EMO), with vehicles and equipment on display. It’s a great opportunity for both adults and children to ask questions, see things up close, and better understand how these teams support the community in emergencies.

Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka will also showcase practical items for grab-and-go emergency kits, with simple guidance on what’s useful to have at home and how to get started without overcomplicating things.

A community BBQ, generously supported by New World Three Parks, will be available on the day, along with the Mr Whippy ice cream van, helping make it a relaxed, family-friendly outing.

Everyone is welcome. Come along, have a chat, and leave feeling a little more informed and a little more prepared.