October 3, 2007

Civil Defence flirts with students

North Shore City Civil Defence has sexed up its image in an attempt to attract new blood for important emergency volunteer roles.

A cheeky new poster has gone up at North Shore secondary schools and university campuses inviting students to an open night at civil defence headquarters on October 17.

North Shore City Civil Defence Manager, David Keay, believes it's vitally important Civil Defence is supported and understood by all of the community, including our youngest and brightest.

"We've deliberately gone for cheeky design that will stand out, make them smile, and hopefully make them think about coming along to our meet and greet wine and cheese evening".

The North Shore City coastline is among the most vulnerable areas in New Zealand for tsunamis.

"Our city's future safety relies on us engaging effectively with young people now," says Mr Keay.

The new poster and student magazine advertisement pitches to those with an interest in communications, crisis management, and learning valuable survival skills.

Civil Defence also hopes to appeal to students' self-interest by providing an opportunity to gain a competitive edge over other fellow students.

"Many students enter university straight from secondary school and don't have much actual come the end of their study. Working with civil defence provides them both experience and a really worthwhile character reference," says Mr Keay. The open night starts at 7.30pm, Wednesday, October 17. The evening is open to all and will include a short video, an informal talk from a Civil Defence officer about Civil Defence, and information on volunteer roles.

ENDS

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