Strengthening ties across the Pacific: The AUSMAT and NZMAT partnership
30 Sep 2024
Written by Carla Yeung and Prabha Bohara
The partnership between the AUSMAT and the New Zealand Medical Assistance Team (NZMAT) has been a pillar of resilience in the Pacific region, bringing together healthcare professionals from both sides of the Tasman Sea to respond to health emergencies with agility and expertise. NZMAT member Jane Pryer, Principal Advisor for Emergency Management Assurance recently participated in the AUSMAT Team Member (TM) course while Martin Buet, Principal Advisor joined as a faculty member, observing the course and sharing his expertise. This opportunity not only reinforced the strong ties between the two teams but also provided a platform for shared learning and collaboration.
Like AUSMAT, NZMAT is part of the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Initiative. NZMAT plays a critical role in supporting local health services during health emergencies within New Zealand and the South-West Pacific region. "NZMAT is a classified Type 1 fixed and mobile team, capable of deploying to areas of need within the South-West Pacific," Martin noted.
Both NZMAT and AUSMAT are integral components of the WHO EMT initiative, which includes numerous teams working across the Pacific to respond to disasters. The initiative is designed to ensure that qualified medical assistance teams are available to respond to disasters with speed and effectiveness. Reflecting on the collaboration between NZMAT and AUSMAT, Martin explained, “We’ve deployed in the same areas on several occasions and we’ve been able to support and collaborate seamlessly.”
This work is vital in ensuring that all nations are better prepared to respond to emergencies and reduce their reliance on international assistance.
In recent years, the collaboration has extended beyond joint deployments to include supporting WHO-led initiatives. Both teams have been involved in mentoring and training other emergency medical teams across the Pacific, sharing their expertise to enhance local capacities. “This work is vital in ensuring that all nations are better prepared to respond to emergencies and reduce their reliance on international assistance,” Martin said.
Reflecting on her experience in the AUSMAT TM course, Jane emphasised the importance of collaboration across different professional backgrounds. "Ultimately, the AUSMAT TM course is about fostering teamwork,” Jane explained. “Bringing together professionals from different backgrounds, we’re able to learn from each other, and it enables us to develop a cohesive approach to handling emergencies. This ensures that when the time comes, we can respond swiftly and collaboratively, no matter where the need arises."
The relationship between NZMAT and AUSMAT is rooted in a mutual desire to continuously improve and adapt to new challenges. Since NZMAT’s inception in 2011, Martin has played a key role in developing the team’s capabilities, working closely with AUSMAT to build NZMAT's training and operational strength. “We initially relied heavily on AUSMAT for training,” Martin explained, “but over time, we’ve designed our own courses and have had ongoing support from AUSMAT faculty.”
Throughout the course, both Martin and Jane witnessed firsthand the strength of the relationship between AUSMAT and NZMAT. "We’ve got really close ties. We share the same purpose and often learn from each other, especially given that we deploy to similar areas," Jane said. This collaboration, built on years of shared experiences and mutual respect, ensures that both teams are equipped to respond to emergencies across the Pacific and beyond. The emphasis on training and interoperability has allowed AUSMAT and NZMAT to remain at the forefront of emergency response, supporting each other and the region in times of need.
