Campaign makes 80 properties easier to find for emergency services
Barry Topp is one of four winners to win back the cost of their RAPID plate in the draw.
In just over two weeks, 80 rural properties in Hurunui have become easier to find in an emergency, thanks to a collaborative push by emergency services and Hurunui District Council.
These swift results will improve response times and safety across the district, making a big difference for those rural residents in an emergency, Council’s RAPID number officer Liz Atkins says.
New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John, and North Canterbury Federated Farmers partnered with the Council to raise awareness of the importance of rural properties having Rural Address Property Identification (RAPID) numbers on their entrances.
“The aim of the campaign was to encourage rural property owners to purchase RAPID number plates so that their property can easily be located by emergency services day and night,” Atkins says.
The campaign used every way available to reach the district’s rural dwellers, reaching out through mailboxes, social media, local newspapers and drop-in sessions at the district libraries. The Amberley Rural Volunteer Fire Brigade also flagged the campaign at its stall at the Amberley A&P Show.
Four lucky applicants won the cost of their new RAPID plates back in a draw that took place last week.
Winner Barry Topp said he thought getting a RAPID plate was a good idea after seeing the campaign advertised in a community newsletter – and promptly ordered three to cover all his entrances.
If you would like your property to be easier to find in an emergency, go to Council’s website at https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/property-rates/rapid-numbers
