LENDING A HAND IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Reservists are often called on to help in the area near where they live when disaster strikes.

Such was the case when Cyclone Gabrielle struck in the Hawke’s Bay, Taupō-based Lance Corporal Brad Woodford had no qualms heading to Hawke’s Bay as a first responder, to assist the district he was raised in.

His local knowledge was imperative as part of the initial New Zealand Army response with Reserve Force East Coast Company, 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, based in Napier.

Still with strong ties to the Puketapu, Rissington, Dartmoor, Patoka and Puketitiri areas, the Army was able to leverage on his local knowledge. With an understanding of the agricultural sector, the AFFCO livestock buyer had an appreciation of the needs within the rural community. Relaying that information into military language back to the army meant assistance arrived to the communities swiftly.

“Seeing the devastation in the community I grew up in, and seeing those people upset who I grew up with, was heart-breaking,” he confesses. Hit by the extent of the devastation, Lance Corporal

Woodford’s enthusiasm and dedication to assist the district never faltered.

“It was a real highlight for me, being able to bridge the gap between a community close to me, and the Army. Dealing with the community concerns, and directly relaying that information back to the Army meant we were seeing results pretty much immediately.”

Along with a small team of Regular and Reserve Force soldiers, the 39-year-old played a key part in ensuring the cut off community of Dartmoor had food, water and fuel available. With the bridge washed away, the main line of resupply delivery was by air, by the Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter.

Lance Corporal Woodford, in close liaison with his cousin, Shaun Andrews, a local Dartmoor farmer, paddled across the now quiet Mangaone River, to establish where a pulley system could be set up in hopes that a dinghy be made available. This way supplies could be ferried across more efficiently, giving the community an element of independence. Andrews was also