About Us
Taskforce Kiwi follows in the footsteps of similar organisations worldwide, who over the last decade have demonstrated the impact that veteran-led organisations can have on disaster relief and recovery.
Who we are
At Taskforce Kiwi we understand that just because you take off a uniform, doesn't mean that you stop serving.
We also know that the motivation to serve isn't limited to defence and emergency services veterans. And while the organisation is veteran-led, we welcome volunteers from across the wider community,
Taskforce Kiwi consists of defence and emergency services veterans, and members of the wider community, with the skills, experience, motivation and grit to help communities through direct assistance before, during and after disasters. We're not first responders, instead working alongside existing emergency management agencies and communities, providing skilled volunteer resources to help fellow Kiwi's on their worst day.
What we do
Taskforce Kiwi deploys teams of suitably trained and experienced volunteers into the field before, during and after disasters, providing a variety of services to impacted communities, working alongside existing emergency management staff and volunteers.
In doing so, provide a sense of purpose, identity and community to those who have served our country and communities, by ensuring New Zealand continues to benefit from their skills and experience when they are needed most.
Our Mission
To utilise the skills and experience of defence and emergency services veterans to help communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, providing direct assistance for help them prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Humanitarian Principles
As an organisation dedicated to the help of others, we abide by the internationally recognised humanitarian principles always.
Humanity
Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found, with particular attention to the most vulnerable.
Impartiality
Humanitarian aid must be provided solely on the basis of need, without discrimination.
Neutrality
Humanitarian aid must not favour any side in an armed conflict or other dispute.
Independence
Humanitarian objectives must have autonomy from political, economic, military or other objectives.
About our logo
Our choice of logo is no accident, reflecting both the service of those who served in New Zealand's defence forces and the wider community. The diamond has been worn as a tactical flash by New Zealand troops since the First World War, intially to indicate battalions, while more recently the red diamond is worn by those who have completed Combat Corp Training.
The Kiwi adorns the fuselage of every RNZAF aircraft, and is also worn proudly on the sleeve of servicemen and women across the Army, Navy and Airforce. But more importantly, the Kiwi represents all New Zealanders as our national bird and icon.
