MEDIA RELEASE
07 September 2008
Haiti Bound: Two New Zealand Red Cross Telecommunications Emergency Response Specialists To Assist With Disaster In
Haiti
Two New Zealand Red Cross telecommunications emergency response specialists are preparing to depart to assist with the
International Federation of Red Cross’ (the Federation) disaster response project in cyclone ravaged Haiti.
The two specialists, Pat Maunsell from Christchurch, and Peter Moore from Wellington, will join an Austrian
Telecommunications and IT Emergency Response Unit in Haiti where their focus will be on quickly establishing an adequate
telecommunications system that the Federation will use to coordinate their disaster response project. Without an
effective telecommunications system the adequate provision of relief to the people who need it most is severely
jeopardized.
Pat and Peter have specialist skills in establishing, using and maintaining HF and VHF radio systems. They will deploy
with portable Red Cross radio equipment that will be used to supplement the equipment the Austrian team will take into
Haiti.
They are likely to remain in Haiti for five weeks and may be replaced by other New Zealand Red Cross telecommunications
emergency response specialists if necessary.
Cyclone Hanna is the third deadly storm to hit Haiti in recent weeks, resulting in a growing loss of life as severe
flooding and mudslides threaten more lives and livelihoods.
While both Pat and Peter have been involved in the telecommunications industry for most of their careers, they only
recently qualified as New Zealand Red Cross telecommunications emergency response specialists. They, along with 12 other
specialists have trained, part time, for the past year with New Zealand Red Cross’ IT and Telecommunications Emergency
Response Unit (ERU).
In this situation, Pat and Peter will be deploying to Haiti to augment the Austrian Red Cross’ ERU. The Federation has
five ERUs available around the world to deploy into disaster zones to establish immediate communications systems when
required.
The European Union will fund the costs of the Austrian ERU deployment into Haiti, and have indicated they will also
cover the costs of Pat and Peter’s deployment.
Ends