Deployment Basics
Read the following “deployment basics” information. Email us for more information if you still have questions.
Basic Domestic Kit List
The following should be considered the minimum in your packing. Please bear in mind that space will be at a premium in vehicles and luggage restrictions may apply if flying (see ticket for allowance).
Seasons: Winters can mean cold days & colder nights so please ensure you have sufficient warm gear packed if deploying in the winter months. Pack clothing that you can easily layer.
Personal kit list:
Sleeping bag
Pillow or pillowcase (ideally travel pillow to cut down on space)
Work trousers (ideally two pairs. NOT shorts)
Steel capped work boots (mandatory)
TFK Workshirt/s, t-shirt/s and cap (if previously issued)
Ear Plugs (close quarters sleeping, high risk of snoring)
Toiletries and personal medication as required
Wet weather gear (even if not raining helpful for cleaning tasks e.g. water-blasting)
Beanie/broad brimmed hat (TFK will provide a cap)
Personal reusable water bottle
Warm under layers eg thermals
Towel and washcloth
Underwear
Socks
Casual clothing for post work
Phone and chargers (must have WhatsApp installed)
Power bank (power/access to power-points may be an issue)
Recommendations:
Hand/Head torch and batteries
Sunglasses
Watch
Pen & notebook
Jandals or similar suitable for wear when showering
Mesh washing bag to aid in the laundry of underwear
Optional:
Sewing kit
Thin air mattress (to go on camp stretcher)
GoPro cameras may be taken - check on the ground for any applicable policies to ensure all safety and privacy concerns are addressed
Something to occupy you in down-time e.g. book, cards/game
Taskforce Kiwi will supply:
Long sleeved, branded work-shirts (sand colour)
Black branded t-shirt/s
Note: These will be supplied prior to deployment if you have not already been issued with these.
Camouflage Clothing
It is Taskforce Kiwi policy that no camouflage clothing, or clothing with any form of defence or emergency services branding is worn on deployment.
This is purely to ensure that we cannot be accused of attempting to represent other agencies.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to every rule - some deployments may not require all of these items and others may require additional items. This list is intended as a starting guide only.
International kit lists
As well as the items in the Basic Domestic Kit List each international deployment will have other items that are required or recommended and will be prepared as required. It often depends on the climate and season you are travelling to. There may also be cultural considerations.
Some of the often included general items are:
Swim suit
Broad-brimmed hat
Mosquito net/repellent
Vaccination requirements
A cotton sheet (to use instead of a sleeping bag in hot weather)
Further information will be provided prior to any international deployments.
FOB & sleeping arrangements
Taskforce Kiwi will supply ‘camp style’ accommodation for volunteers.
While on deployment we will provide simple accommodation and facilities.
Forward Operating Base (FOB)
We always use existing facilities to set up our FOB. Our options may be very limited particularly after a disaster. We will do our best to make sure the FOB has toilets, showers, kitchen, laundry and sleeping quarters all at one place but this is not always possible and sometimes compromises need to be made. Where services are unavailable we will locate nearby facilities where we can access those services.
Volunteers need to be flexible and understand we will always do our best to make sure we have the best location available.
Wifi/entertainment
We don’t usually have a TV and there may not be Wifi at the FOB so volunteers may want to consider purchasing some data or consider bringing other forms of entertainment like board-games or reading material.
Sleeping quarters
Sleeping quarters are nearly-always camp style which means that we will be in a single room on stretchers or bunks with sleeping bags.
It is not always possible to organise a FOB with separate sleeping quarters. Sometimes we will sleep in the same room as where we eat and have our briefings. Privacy may be limited.
On domestic deployments we sometimes have the option of using tents for those who prefer a little more personal space, but we do not always have this option.
On international deployments sleeping arrangements will be organised by the lead organisation which may be us or one of our partners. It may be housing (shared rooms), camp-style or other accommodation. we need to be flexible.
Snoring
Snoring after a hard day’s work is not uncommon so earplugs are a must have item.
CPAP machines
There may not always be access to a power-point close to your bed so those who use CPAP machines may not have access to power overnight. Please talk to the Taskforce Kiwi team well before deployment so that there are no issues while away. While we always do our best, everyone will want power and there may not be enough to go around.
Own accommodation
Some of our members have their own buses or mobile homes that they would like to bring. Sometimes this can work if we are at a large facility like a showgrounds but sometimes the facility we get does not have sufficient parking space for large vehicles. Please ask us about this if it is relevant to you. It may not work every time.
We try to make the smallest footprint possible when we go to a disaster affected location. We will not make it the local Council’s problem to find parking for your vehicle. Our offering includes camp style accommodation so there are times we will give priority to volunteers who can fit in with that.
Pets
We love animals but please leave pets at home!
Taskforce Kiwi does not allow pets on any deployment even one day projects. Please do not bring them even if you have your own accommodation (e.g. motorhome).
Food
We will supply three meals a day.
Taskforce Kiwi or our partners (if we are deploying on an operation run by our international partners) will ensure that volunteers receive three meals a day while on residential deployment.
The food will be basic, with limited options but sufficient to sustain us while on deployment. Volunteers will be expected to cook or prepare food, wash dishes and in some cases do shopping for the team. It is important that volunteers declare any food allergies or intolerances well in advance.
On larger deployments we may allocate a ‘camp manager’ role to ensure food is provided and shopping is completed. Other volunteers will be expected to help with preparation, cleaning and dishes.
Breakfast
A range of breakfast foods will be provided so that volunteers can prepare their own breakfast. Options may differ based on the kind of facility we are staying in. It may range from cereal and fruit where we have limited facilities, or could include some cooked options where we have a full kitchen. In some cases another party may supply our breakfasts to us.
Lunch
Lunch will usually be sandwiches/rolls/wraps, fruit etc. There may also be leftovers from the previous night’s evening meal that are suitable for lunches.
Dinner
The evening meal will usually be a hot dinner or protein and salad. Sometimes the evening meal may be supplied to us by another party.
If volunteers would like to buy their own food for dinner due to available choices or eat out (where applicable and appropriate) they are welcome to do so at their own cost.
Snacks
Taskforce Kiwi aims to provide nutritious un-processed snack food like fruit wherever possible. If volunteers would like to augment that with other snack foods they are welcome to do so at their own cost.
Laundry
A laundry service will be available at no cost to volunteers.
Taskforce Kiwi will make an arrangement for access to laundry services of some description. When washing machines and dryers/washing lines are available at the FOB this works well. In some places options can be limited and volunteers may need to take turns going elsewhere to do the team’s laundry.
Injuries and medical conditions
Please be honest and up-front with us.
We know our volunteers get excited about deployments but please let us know if you are managing any injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions. It is too late for us to find this out when you are away so its important that you tell us upfront. Sometimes we will be able to manage this and other times it will be inappropriate based on the work and/or location. Please do the right thing.
Insurance
All New Zealand citizens and permanent residents have injury cover under New Zealand’s ACC legislation while away on a deployment both domestically and internationally. While volunteering you are considered on ‘holiday’.
International deployments also have bespoke insurance through an insurance broker to provide an additional level of cover. Details of this insurance will be provided as required prior to deployment.