Nine "community-minded" Otago residents have been selected to form the first local advisory committee for Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
More than 30 people were nominated for the Otago committee, created to ensure community input in emergency preparation, response and recovery across the region.
Fenz chairman Paul Swain said he was pleased to see "talented, knowledgeable locals" appointed.
"This region faces some unique risks and challenges in the event of a major emergency.
"That’s why it’s vital that we tap into local knowledge and experience to get our planning right at a local level — it’s about building a safer, stronger Otago together."
Committee chairman Brenden Winder, of Queenstown, was deployed to work on the Government’s Covid-19 response and has a background in tourism and emergency management.
Mr Winder said it was "a privilege" to represent the Otago community on the board.
"I hope to contribute to making the region a safer place for my kids to grow up in."
Deputy chairwoman Helen Algar, of Oamaru, who has expertise in health and disability, said she hoped to enable "a more resilient community, building capability and working collaboratively to create a safer Otago to live, work and play".
Otago is one of seven regions establishing the committees.
Wider community engagement is expected to begin early next year.
