Long-service emergency management volunteers Heather Thomas (2nd from left), Duncan Lundy (4th from left), Paul Horridge (3rd from right), and Hamish Upston (2nd from right) joined by Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price (left), Mayor Dan Gordon and emergency management staff.

Heather Thomas, Duncan Lundy, Hamish Upston and Paul Horridge were celebrated at an awards ceremony on Tuesday night, acknowledging their skills and the commitment they’ve shown to their communities.

Heather Thomas was recognised for 50 years of service since joining in 1978. Over that time, she has been part of the University of Canterbury rescue team, a member of local sector posts, the operational support team, and now a team leader with the Waimakariri District Council Emergency Support Team.

Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Heather worked in the CBD red zone with the international Taiwan team, undertaking building searches. She also helped retrieve personal belongings and lecture materials from University of Canterbury buildings while they were being assessed for damage.

Beyond emergency management, Heather volunteers with Hato Hone St John, is a Justice of the Peace, and has been a long-time blood and plasma donor – with 112 donations to date.

Heather Thomas and her husband Russell joined by Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price (L) and Mayor Dan Gordon (R).

Upon receiving her award, Heather said she could not have achieved so much without the support of her husband and the people around her.

“It’s with our family support that we can do these things. Russell has stood by me through all these years. Thank you everyone here. It’s having a team that’s important. You can’t be a team leader if you don’t have a team. I’d also like to thank the Council Emergency Management staff – Brennan Wiremu, Dean Eades and Elena Gessler – for all their training over the years.”

Like Heather, Duncan Lundy was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the Emergency Support Team, marking 40 years since joining the emergency management sector in 1986. During that time, he has played an active role in numerous community committees and groups, managed a Sector Post region, and demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting the Waimakariri community.

Duncan’s community work also saw him guide the development of the new Loburn War Memorial in his role as Chair of the Loburn Domain Advisory Group.

Duncan Lundy joined by Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price (L) and Mayor Dan Gordon (R).

Paul Horridge and Hamish Upston, both volunteers with NZ-RT12, were recognised for 10 years of service.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the district’s two volunteer emergency management teams are vital to Waimakariri’s resilience.

“NZ-RT12 brings professionalism, capability and operational skill. Through training, exercises and live deployments, they ensure we are ready to respond when our communities need immediate, practical support. Their commitment strengthens not only our district but also the wider region when called upon.

“Our Emergency Support Team plays a different but equally critical role. In times of emergency, communities need coordination, reassurance and care. They need people managing welfare, supporting sector posts and helping neighbours through what can be frightening and uncertain situations.

“Emergencies are about people first and foremost — and the calm, steady presence of trained volunteers makes an enormous difference. My deepest congratulations to the recipients, I am incredibly proud of them. Our community simply couldn’t function without volunteers, and this extraordinary level of service is something we are deeply grateful for.”