When emergencies and natural disasters unfold, Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is equipped to mobilise quickly, providing quality food and refreshments to emergency services and practical support to communities affected.

From major weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle to local tragedies such as the Mt Maunganui landslide, RRT volunteers step in to support those working tirelessly on the frontline and people directly impacted by disaster.

2023 will be remembered by the catastrophe of Cyclone Gabrielle, which caused a national state of emergency. RRT NZ’s response to this disaster extended from Whangārei at the top of the North Island, right down to Christchurch in the South. Flying a BBQ trailer in by helicopter, RRT was the first emergency support on the ground in Wairoa. Throughout the country, RRT served 17,457 meals and distributed 9,570 water bottles, 3,446 Food Boxes and 1,630 Care Kits over five days before handing over to the New Zealand Army. The RRT operation saw 2,609 hours worked by 664 volunteers.

In January 2026, RRT responded to the devastating landslide at Mt Maunganui, mobilising within hours of a request for support from New Zealand Police. Over the following 10 days, RRT volunteers worked alongside the emergency response, providing more than 5,600 fresh meals to Police, first responders and the families of victims. In total, 216 volunteers contributed almost 1,300 hours across 28 shifts, providing practical support and a place for frontline personnel to pause and refuel during an incredibly difficult operation. The response demonstrated RRT’s ability to mobilise quickly and remain onsite for as long as needed, supporting those working on the frontline and communities facing tragedy.