In New Zealand, emergency responses take many forms. Floods demand rapid dewatering, stable power and safe lighting, while fires and storms can require site protection, access solutions, temporary infrastructure and fast mobilisation—often in challenging urban, regional and remote locations.
Our Emergency Services solutions are designed to protect communities by ensuring the right equipment is ready for unexpected weather events. Our branch teams are trained specifically for their region, providing expert support in both planning and response.
What emergency response teams need
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Speed and reliability
Speed is critical when it comes to emergency response. Our branches can provide equipment quickly once it is safe to do so.
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The right equipment mix, matched to the situation
Every emergency event requires a unique mix of equipment and specialist solutions for protection and recovery. Equipment commonly used in these applications includes:
- Water management for water removal and transfer.
- Generators and power distribution systems to restore supply when power is down, including low-noise, low-emission solar hybrid solutions for remote locations.
- Temporary lighting and traffic management solutions for safe restricted areas and work zones.
- Earthmoving equipment for access, debris removal and site stabilisation.
- Lifting and access equipment where working at height or in constrained conditions is required.
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Planning, training and recovery support
Our team members at branches across the country are trained to support emergency planning and response. They can advise on equipment selection, deployment strategies and scenario-based requirements.
We provide rapid-response surge capacity once authorities give the safe green light during an emergency event. We also continue to support the local community throughout the longer-term recovery in the years that follow.
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Safety and compliance under pressure
Emergencies increase risk due to fatigue, changing conditions and rapid mobilisation. In regions where natural disasters are less frequent, specialised equipment may sit unused for extended periods.
We implement dedicated safety and compliance checks for this equipment, helping to ensure it is ready to perform safely and reliably when needed.
How our services support the emergency timeline
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Before an event: preparedness
- We identify likely event types—such as floods, fires and storms—in your community and assess the most probable equipment requirements.
- We confirm base locations and identify possible access constraints.
- Our branch teams are briefed and trained on equipment requirements and safe-use procedures for relevant event scenarios.
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During the response: protection
- We rapidly mobilise critical equipment when conditions are deemed safe, including pumps, generators, lighting and traffic-control equipment.
- We scale or adjust equipment as conditions change, including increasing capacity, changing locations or supporting different tasks.
- We keep maintenance and safe-use information at the work site for easy access.
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After the event: recovery
- We support the transition from protection during the event to sustained recovery, including earthmoving, site solutions, access and lifting.
- We adjust solutions for longer-duration operations and different stages of recovery work.
- We review what worked and refine equipment planning for future events.
Ready to move to remote locations
Emergencies can disrupt infrastructure and access routes in both cities and regional areas. Floodwaters, storm damage or fire fronts may prevent response teams from reaching affected sites quickly. Our local branches work with communities to develop scenario plans that support rapid mobilisation when an event is forecast.
Where access is limited, we can coordinate equipment transport across regions and establish temporary operating bases for safe and effective response efforts.
Readiness for disaster events
Emergency response is about reducing risk to communities, protecting property and restoring essential services—often under difficult conditions. Maintained, fit-for-purpose equipment and practical solutions for planning, mobilisation and safe use all play a critical role in supporting response efforts.
Through our branch network and specialist teams, Kennards Hire helps Emergency Services access the equipment needed to prepare for events, respond quickly when they occur and assist communities during the recovery that follows.