“Emergency management is not just a role, it’s a calling,” John Price says.

The National Emergency Management Agency deputy chief executive joined Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher and Emergency Management Otago staff at a ceremony at the Ōamaru Opera House on Thursday night (August 31) to thank and celebrate several Civil Defence volunteers from across the Waitaki for their long service.

“Our volunteers are at the heart of any emergency response and they place their communities that they serve at the centre of their actions,” John said, as he thanked the group for their commitment, presenting them with a Certificate of Long Service, a letter of thanks from Civil Defence Minister Kieran McAnulty, and a medal.

Gary said he personally knew a number of the people acknowledged.

“It is comforting to think our district has the benefit of their combined years of Civil Defence experience, training and dedication to call on in a time of crisis.”

Ōamaru man Murray Linwood was thanked for his 30 years of service, which included acting as a local controller for a number of years.

Ngaire Joyce of Dunback, who has completed 20 years of service, was also presented with flowers acknowledging her commitment.

John said volunteers feel a strong sense of duty "to serve and protect their fellow humans”.

“The same duty that drives everyone in emergency management. 

“Thank you for everything you do for your community, and thanks too to your whanau and families who are the foundation that enable and support you when you have to drop everything and get involved in a response. 

You can and do make a difference every day. You remain the few who step up to serve the many”.

Community members thanked for 10 years’ service to Civil Defence were: Rod Philip, Ron Sheat, Tania Bungard, Nicky Grant, Theo and Els Jordens, Gordon Greaney, Kat and Daniel Moffat, Richard Aarts, Odelle Hawkins, Pip Jepson, Bernedette and Michael Parish, and Sue McPhilimey.

If you would like advice or wish to volunteer for Civil Defence you can contact Ewen Graham on [email protected]