Hutt City Council has gifted three of its surplus utes to a local volunteer emergency responder group. The move will boost the city’s emergency response capabilities and ensure the city is better equipped to deal with natural disasters.

NZRT-18 plays a critical role when Lower Hutt’s Emergency Operations Centre is mobilised as the city faces the impact of earthquakes and severe weather events.

They typically carry out reconnaissance of reported slips and floods, assist with road closures, help keep property safe and save lives.

They have been operating with three ageing ex-Defence Force Nissan Navaras which have now been retired. These vehicles, almost 20 years old, lack critical safety features such as airbags and ABS braking, making them increasingly unreliable in high-risk conditions.

The NZRT-18 team has also faced the loss of power steering in one vehicle and have had to keep wing mirrors attached using gaffer tape on another.

The gifted vehicles - three diesel Toyota Hilux utes all about 10 years old - will allow the 28-strong volunteer team to respond faster and travel more safely. One of the vehicles includes a winch and snorkel, expanding the team’s capacity in flood rescues and vehicle retrievals.

NZRT-18 Chair Brandon Robins says the three vehicles will transform how the team operates.

"It's a game changer but it’s more than just the actual vehicles themselves. No one in NZRT-18 is paid, everyone is a volunteer, so when we get investment like this it really makes a huge difference to team morale."

Robins says the gift of vehicles from Council will also improve efficiency.

"Previously our crews couldn't fit all their gear in the old vehicles. Now, we’ll be able to send out four or five members in one ute, fully equipped."

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says supporting NZRT-18 is a practical way to strengthen community resilience.

"NZRT-18 are a vital part of our city’s emergency response. These volunteers show up when it matters - during storms, earthquakes, and floods - and they need the right gear to do that safely."

Hutt City Council Chief Executive Jo Miller says NZRT-18 has proven itself over and over during emergencies and severe weather events.

"Supporting NZRT-18 with comparatively new vehicles to replace some of their ageing fleet is a great way to provide tangible support to the team."

Robins made a plea for Lower Hutt businesses to provide more support to NZRT-18.

"We appreciate this support from Council. For others wishing to support NZRT-18 they can do so at NZRT-18 Hutt City Emergency Response Team."

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