NZDF support to the West Coast boosted by new Army Reserve facility

A new Reserve Operating Base in Greymouth opened on Monday, allowing for the permanent storage of a small number of utility vehicles, communication equipment and stores on the West Coast.

The facility is also equipped to sustain a 25-person Local Emergency Response Group, should the NZDF be called on to help during a state of emergency.

In previous responses, military assistance and support has had to be transported to the West Coast from Burnham, Nelson, Blenheim or Cromwell.

Having vehicles and equipment permanently based in Greymouth will help mitigate the risks of transport disruptions caused by bad weather cutting off the mountain passes, or an Alpine fault earthquake.

Greymouth Mayor Tania Gibson, attended Monday’s opening ceremony along with representatives from the West Coast Regional Council, and said the re-establishment of a permanent Army presence on the West Coast was an encouraging step forward for the region.

“Having defence personnel back on the Coast will be a positive for the community,” Ms Gibson said.

The new facility will predominately be used by the NZ Army’s South Island Reserves – 2^nd/4^th Battalion - but will also provide a base for the Army’s Regular Force when personnel are conducting training exercises in the region.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Seeds said it would have a significant impact on the NZDF’s ability to respond to emergencies.

“Given the West Coast’s exposure to extreme weather events, it is no surprise that the West Coast’s Civil Defence Emergency Management organisations are very capable and well-practised.

“The NZDF has been called on to assist West Coast communities before and it is likely that military assistance will be requested again.

Having vehicles and equipment already pre-positioned here in Greymouth, and a location from which forces can operate, will greatly increase the Army’s ability to respond to communities in need ~ Lieutenant Colonel Seeds

An NZDF recruiting office is already established on the main street of Greymouth. 

Lieutenant Colonel Seeds said the new Reserve Operating Base provided the NZDF with a chance to connect further with the community.

“Our Reserve Force personnel also provide a direct link to the communities in which they serve, with this facility enabling the battalion to build a stronger presence with the local community.”