Issue 48 - New Zealand Fire Service

February 2009
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Southdown
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ISSUE
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February 2009
Issue No. 48
Fire & Rescue is the flagship
publication of the New Zealand
Fire Service.
It is produced by Media,
Promotions and Communications,
National Headquarters,
Level 9, 80 The Terrace, Wellington.
Front cover:
The massive inferno that engulfed the
Southdown Freezing Works.
Back cover:
Watership down! The fire that claimed
three boats at the Picton Marina.
We welcome contributions from
Fire Service personnel and their families.
Email stories and digital pictures to:
fire.rescue@fire.org.nz
(Pictures need to be at least 1MB)
Post written material and photos,
or photo CDs to:
Fire & Rescue magazine,
PO Box 2133, Wellington.
(These will be returned on request)
If you have a story idea or an upcoming
event you would like Fire & Rescue to
cover, call the editor on (04) 496 3675.
Fire & Rescue is online at:
www.fire.org.nz
ISSN: 1176-6670
All material in Fire & Rescue magazine is
copyrighted and may not be reproduced
without the permission of the editor.
6
13 14
The Issue Reorganisation ........................................................................................3
Fire Safety Another unsprinklered building fire ............................................6
Business Gaining recognition ..............................................................................8
19
MoU times two .....................................................................................8
Our People A couple of minutes with David Utumapu ............................9
Recruitment Only the best need apply .............................................................10
Incidents Fatal fire ..................................................................................................11
Freezing? Don’t think so!................................................................12
Mahia scorcher ...................................................................................13
One for the road ................................................................................13
The great fire of Dargaville ..........................................................14
Southland tales ...................................................................................16
Historic burn .........................................................................................17
New Technology Kawau First Response Vehicle a first! ....................................18
Out & About School trip ..............................................................................................19
In the Community Our own ‘5-up’ .....................................................................................20
New Station for Paraparaumu ..................................................20
Fun & Games The world’s toughest two minutes in sport .........................21
Sports Calendar 2009 Sports Calendar ....................................................................22
Noticeboard Notes and events ..............................................................................23
20 21

Reorganisation
On 1 February, a new area and management structure was put in place to more closely
align our organisation with our counterparts in the police and army.
The new changes, which have been in
the works for some time now, see the
replacement of three existing ranks
with two new ones.
The ranks of Assistant Fire Region
Manager, paid Chief Fire Officer and
paid Deputy-Chief Fire Officer
are now gone. The new ranks are
Area Commander and Assistant
Area Commander.
With the creation of these two
new ranks, there will be new rank
markings for epaulettes as detailed
in the image below.
The new rank markings have been
designed so they are closer to the
equivalent level in the police and
army. The Area Commander
markings parallel those used for
Superintendents and Lieutenant
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Volunteer
Colonels while the Assistant Area
Commander’s markings parallel those
used for Inspectors and Captains.
The National Commander and Fire
Region Managers will also receive
new rank markings. The National
Commander’s will be the same as
Commissioner or Major General
and FRM’s will be the same as an
Assistant Commissioner or Brigadier.
National Commander Mike Hall
National Commander
told Fire & Rescue that the new
structure provides a more natural
flow of management.
“The previous structure was an echo
of the past problems we had during
the 1990s, it didn’t best serve the
organisation. This new system will
help the Fire Service grow into its
role as a fire, rescue and emergency
service.”
There was a considerable amount
of consultation done over the new
structure with a nationwide notice
sent out in November, 2008. In some
regions the new structure has been
in place for some time and the
feedback from those areas has been
overwhelmingly positive.
The list of areas and the stations
within is over the page.
Chief Fire Officer Volunteer Assistant Area Commander Area Commander Fire Region Commander
Firefighter Qualified Firefighter Senior Firefighter Station Officer Senior Station Officer
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
The Issue
February 2009
3

Stations within each Area
Area Stations
1.
Far North
2.
Whangarei/
Kaipara
3.
Waitemata
4.
Auckland City
5.
Counties-
Manukau
6.
Waikato
7.
Eastern
Waikato
8.
Bay of Plenty
Coast
9.
Central Lakes
10.
Tairawhiti
11.
Hawke’s Bay
12.
Taranaki
13.
Wanganui
4 Issue No. 48
Ahipara
Kaeo
Kaikohe
Kaitaia
Kawakawa
Dargaville
Hikurangi
Kaiwaka
Kamo
Mangawhai
Albany
Birkenhead
Devonport
East Coast Bays
Glen Eden
Greenhithe
Helensville
Henderson
Auckland City
Auckland Fire Police
Avondale
Balmoral
Beachlands
Clevedon
Howick
Kawakawa Bay
Mangatangi
Mangere
Manurewa
Benneydale
Cambridge
Chartwell
Hamilton
Huntly
Cooks Beach
Coromandel
Hahei
Matamata
Morrinsville
Ngatea
Athenree
Edgecumbe
Greerton
Katakati
Kawerau
Maketu
Matata
Kaingaroa
Kinloch
Mamaku
Mangakino
Murapara
Gisborne
Manutuke
Matawai
Patutahi
Ashley Clinton
Bay View
Dannevirke
Eketahuna
Hastings
Haumoana
Havelock North
Napier
Eltham
Hawera
Inglewood
Kaponga
Manaia
New Plymouth
New Plymouth West
Bulls
Hunterville
Manunui
Mangaweka
Marton
Kerikeri
Kohukohu
Mangonui
Okaihau
Maungaturoto
Ngunguru
Onerahi
Portland
Ruakaka
Huia
Kumeu
Laingholm
Leigh
Mahurangi East
Manly
Piha
Silverdale
Ellerslie
Mt Roskill
Mt Wellington
Onehunga
Mercer
Oneroa
Onetangi
Otahuhu
Otara
Papakura
Kawhia
Ngaruawahia
Otorohanga
Piopio
Pukete
Paeroa
Pauanui
Puriri
Tahuna
Tairua
Tapu
Mt Manganui
Ohope
Omokoroa
Opotoki
Papamoa
Pukehina
Ngongotaha
Putaruru
Rotoma
Rotorua
Ruatoria
Te Araroa
Te Karaka
Te Puia Springs
Norsewood
Nuhaka
Ongaonga
Ormondville
Otane
Pahiatua
Pongaroa
Porangahau
Oakura
Okaiawa
Okato
Opunake
Patea
Rahotu
National Park
Ohakune
Ohura
Owhango
Raetihi
Omapere
Paihia
Rawene
Russell
Ruawai
Te Kopuru
Waipu
Whangarei
Whangarei Heads
Takapuna
Te Atatu
Titirangi
Waiatarua
Waitemata
Warkworth
Wellsford
Parnell
Ponsonby
Remuera
St Helliers
Papatoetoe
Patumahoe
Port Waikato
Pukekohe
Tuakau
Waiuku
Raglan
Te Awamutu
Te Kauwhata
Te Kuiti
Whitikahu
Te Aroha
Thames
Turua
Whangamata
Whitianga
Taneatua
Tauranga
Te Puke
Waihi
Waihi Beach
Whakatane
Taupo
Tirau
Tokoroa
Turangi
Tikitiki
Tokomaru Bay
Tolaga Bay
Whatatutu
Takapau
Taradale
Tikokino
Waipawa
Waipukurau
Wairoa
Woodville
Chatham Islands
Stratford
Toko
Urenui
Waitara
Waitotara
Waverley
Ratana
Taihape
Taumaranui
Wanganui
Whakapapa
Area Stations
14.
Manawatu
15.
Hutt/
Wairarapa
16.
Wellington
17.
Tasman/
Marlborough
18.
West Coast
19.
North
Canterbury
20.
Mid
Canterbury
21.
Christchurch
Metro
22.
South
Canterbury
23.
Central/North
Otago
24.
East Otago
25.
Southland
Apiti
Ashhurst
Bunnythorpe
Cheltenham
Feliding
Foxton
Foxton Beach
Avalon
Carterton
Eastbourne
Featherston
Greytown
Brooklyn
Johnsonville
Karori
Kilbirnie
Newlands
Newtown
Blenheim
Collingwood
Havelock
Kaiteriteri
Mapua
Motueka
Murchison
Blackball
Brunner
Cobden
Fox Glacier
Franz Josef
Granity
Greymouth
Amberley
Cheviot
Culverden
Cust
Hanmer
Akaroa
Coalgate
Darfield
Dunsandel
Hororata
Addington
Brooklands
Christchurch City
Diamond Harbour
Ashburton
Fairlie
Geraldine
Glenavy
Lake Tekapo
Alexandra
Arrowtown
Clyde
Cromwell
Duntroon
Frankton
Kurow
Balclutha
Brighton
Clinton
Clutha Valley
Dunedin
Heriot
Kaitangata
Kaka Point
Lawrence
Balfour
Bluff
Browns
Colac Bay
Dipton
Edendale
Gore
Invercargill
Kingswell
Lumsden
Manapouri
Halcombe
Himatangi Beach
Kimbolton
Levin
Milson
Palmerston North
Hutt City
Martinborough
Masterton
Rimutaka
Seaview
Otaki
Paekakariki
Paraparaumu
Plimmerton
Porirua
Nelson
Picton
Rai Valley
Renwick
Richmond
Seddon
Stoke
Hari Hari
Hokitika
Ikamatua
Karamea
Kumara
Little Wanganui
Moana
Hawarden
Kaiapoi
Kaikoura
Oxford
Rangiora
Kirwee
Leeston
Lincoln
Little River
Governors Bay
Harewood
Lyttleton
New Brighton
Methven
Pleasant Point
Rakaia
Saint Andrews
Temuka
Lake Hawea
Luggate
Millers Flat
Naseby
Omakau
Oamaru
Omarama
Lookout Point
Middlemarch
Milton
Mosgiel
Outram
Owaka
Port Chalmers
Portobello
Ravensbourne
Mataura
Mossburn
Nightcaps
Oban
Ohai
Orepuki
Otautau
Pukerau
Riversdale
Riverton
Rangiwahia
Rongotea
Shannon
Tangimoana
Tokomaru
Waitarere Beach
Silverstream
Stokes Valley
Trentham
Wainuiomata
Tawa
Thorndon
Titahi Bay
Waikanae
Wellington City
Takaka
Tapawera
Upper Moutere
Wairau Valley
Wakefield
Ward
Ngahere
Reefton
Ross
Runanga
Waimangaroa
Westport
Whataroa
Waiau
Waikari
Waipara
Woodend
Rolleston
Sheffield
Southbridge
Springfield
Saint Albans
Sockburn
Sumner
Woolston
Timaru
Twizel
Waimate
Washdyke
Otematata
Palmerston
Queenstown
Ranfurly
Roxburgh
Wanaka
Weston
Roslyn
St Kilda
Tapanui
Waikouaiti
Waitahuna
Waitati
Waiwera South
Willowbank
Te Anau
Thornbury
Tokanui
Tuatapere
Waikaia
Waikaka
Waimahaka
Wallacetown
Winton
Wyndham

The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
The Issue
February 2009
5

6 Issue No. 48
Fire Safety
Another unsprinklered
building fire

A recent fire at Whitianga’s Placemakers store reinforced just how difficult these fires are
to control with highly combustible LPG cylinders and paint and timber in close proximity.
It also serves to illustrate the importance of sprinklers.
Thought to have been caused by a
faulty electrical switchboard, the fire
at its peak saw 50 firefighters and 10
appliances from around the area
turned out to battle it. While the
building had an F4 type alarm –
linked in directly to the Fire Service -
the building was not sprinklered.
David Edwards, CEO of Fletcher
Distribution Limited, the parent
company of Placemakers, told Fire
& Rescue that all staff were back
working in the store on the Monday
following the fire.
The Placemakers fire follows quickly
on the heels of the fire in Onehunga’s
Mitre 10 which was also unsprinklered.
In last month’s K99, Director of Fire
Risk Management, Dr Paula Beever
talked about the difficulty of
encouraging building owners to
install sprinklers as most buildings
and their contents are insured. This
can lead some building owners to
take a ‘if it’s not in the act, we don’t
have to do it’ approach.
As Dr Beever said, it’s not just the
merchandise and housing that is at
risk, up to a third of businesses who
experience a fire go out of business
and cease to trade within three years
– a statistic that should surely be a
strong incentive in encouraging
business owners to fit their buildings
with sprinklers.
In the aftermath of an industrial/
commercial fire, employees lose jobs,
communities lose money that would
have been spent by the employees
and, at the least, businesses lose
custom to competitors while they
rebuild or, at the worst, go bust.
Another possible angle to take when
trying to convince building owners of
the positives of sprinkler installation
is the environmental angle.
Fire Safety
The run-off water from firefighting
can be high in toxins and other
pollutants and the carbon emissions
from the smoke are also very high –
in the current eco-friendly climate
this is something that businesses
must be aware of.
The benefit of hindsight is a marvelous
thing and while it’s easy to see
the merits of installing sprinklers
after a fire, it’s a lot more difficult
to encourage installation when
building.
Devastation of the
(unsprinklered) Onehunga
Mitre 10 fire late last year.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine February 2009
Pictures courtesy of NZPA 7

Gaining recognition
In September last year, Fire & Rescue
showed off the new Employer Recognition
Programme.
The programme has proven extremely popular with
volunteer brigades looking to recognise and reward
community minded employers who generously allow
staff who are volunteer fighters time off to respond
to incidents.
One of the first brigades to get involved in the programme
was Greytown VFB who recently unveiled a
sign out the front of their station thanking the companies
in the area who employ volunteer firefighters.
The Employment Recognition Programme is available
on Online Ordering: FS3017
MoU times two
8 Issue No. 48
Business
During 2008 the New Zealand Fire Service and the Fire & Rescue
Services Industry Training Organisation (FRSITO) worked on
improving relationships between the two organisations and
clarifying the responsibilities of each with respect to training.
This resulted in the signing of two
agreements between the organisations,
a Memorandum of Understanding
outlining the provision of
industry training support for career
and volunteer firefighters in the Fire
Service and a moderation agreement
which outlined agreed protocols for
moderation activities.
The agreements were signed
in December by Paul McGill,
Director Operations and
Training and Bill
Robertson, National
Manager FRSITO.
Paul McGill signs the MoU with
Bill Robertson, as national training’s
David Guard, looks on.
Proud of the new sign are (from left)
South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples,
Greytown CFO Chris Williams, Dame
Margaret Bazley and Bill Butzbach.

A couple of minutes with...
DAVID UTUMAPU
A COUPLE OF MINUTES WITH .....
David Utumapu
Where are you stationed?
New Plymouth Station, hidden behind the reception area...
What’s your rank/title?
National Recruitment Manager
How long have you been in the job for?
20 years-gulp, 9 months in my new role.
Family?
I live with my partner Rachael and her 2 boys Elias 11 and Lucca 7
What’s the one thing that sticks in your mind most about the job?
The friendships I have made, fire fighters never fail to impress me on how when you really need a friend or help
they are always there for you.
Your most embarrassing moment?
I’ve got a few ¨GOATS¨ so you’re asking the wrong person. My first ever fire was memorable, I clipped my BA
waist belt over top of my mask air line, so i spent the entire job looking at my feet, strangely enough I still missed
the hole I stepped in, I did notice when I burnt my butt through my trousers.
If you could make one change in the Fire Service it would be...?
An improved relationship between NHQ and operational staff, ¨lets give peace a chance ¨, ¨Why can’t we all be
friends¨ is anyone still reading?
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
That I´m a South Islander, born in Westport, yes Samoans made it that far (also got to Invercargill – just ask Mils
Muliaina! – Ed.)
Favourite book?
To kill a mocking bird, Harper Lee. This was compulsory reading when I was at school and i hope it still is.
Favourite movie?
Paint your wagon, Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin. Classic
Favourite TV show?
MASH
Where are you stationed?
New Plymouth Station, hidden
behind the reception area...
What’s your rank/title?
National Recruitment Manager
Favourite music group?
Genesis/grand master flash and the furious five
Favourite sport?
Golf, always good to be challenged
Favourite holiday destination?
South Asia, best people in the world...
If I wasn’t in the Fire Service I’d be...?
An Astronaut of Course
How long have you been
in the job?
20 years-gulp, 9 months in my
new role.
Family?
I live with my partner Rachael and
her 2 boys Elias, 11 and Lucca, 7.
What’s the one thing that sticks in
your mind most about the job?
The friendships I have made,
f iref ighters never fail to impress me
on how when you really need a friend
or help they are always there for you.
If you could make one change in
the Fire Service it would be...?
An improved relationship between
NHQ and operational staff,
“let’s give peace a chance”,
“Why can’t we all be friends”
is anyone still reading?
Our People
Your most embarrassing moment?
I’ve got a few ¨GOATS¨ so you’re
asking the wrong person. My f irst
ever f ire was memorable, I clipped
my BA waist belt over top of my
mask air line, so I spent the entire
job looking at my feet, strangely
enough I still missed the hole
I stepped in. I did notice when I
burnt my butt through my trousers.
What’s one thing people would be
surprised to learn about you?
That I’m a South Islander, born
in Westport, yes Samoans made it
that far (also got to Invercargill –
just ask Mils Muliaina! – Ed.)
Favourite book?
To kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee.
This was compulsory reading
when I was at school and I hope
it still is.
Favourite movie?
Paint Your Wagon, Clint Eastwood
and Lee Marvin. Classic.
Favourite TV show?
MASH
Favourite music group?
Genesis/Grandmaster Flash
and the Furious Five.
Favourite sport?
Golf, always good to be challenged.
Favourite holiday destination?
South Asia, best people in the world...
If I wasn’t in the Fire Service
I’d be...?
An astronaut of course.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine February 2009
9

Only the best need apply
10 Issue No. 48
Recruitment
Jenna Collings dragging
the dummy.
Whenever the Fire Service advertises vacancies for
career firefighter roles, you can bet your bottom
dollar there won’t be a shortage of applicants.
To ensure that those who wear
the uniform of the New Zealand
Fire Service are the best possible
candidates, extensive testing
is done on each applicant.
That first stage of testing was
done at one of the Fire Service
open days held recently in
Auckland, Rotorua, Palmerston
North, Wellington, Christchurch
and Dunedin.
“Being a firefighter is a tremendously
exciting and rewarding
– and we are looking for enthusiastic
people from all walks
to life to take up the challenge.”
National Recruitment Manager
David Utumapu said.
The open days were three
hour sessions where those
present would learn all about
becoming a firefighter and
the responsibilities of the
role, they also got the chance
to run through the physical
pre-entry test – like pulling out a
40m hose or doing a stair climb
carrying 18kgs.
“To have a good chance of being
accepted into the Fire Service,
applicants need to have a good
level of fitness – so we took them
through some physically strenuous
scenarios that firefighters may have
to use at a real emergency.” David
told Fire & Rescue.
“As well as the physical assessments,
applicants need to understand
the theoretical competencies
and the application process. This
dummy run is a great preparation
for the formal application process.
Last year, 550 applied to fill the
48 vacancies that were available.
There is currently a recruit’s course
on now in Rotorua, another in
April – which is already full,
and the final one for 2009 starts in
early August.

Fatal fire
A 49-year-old mother of three lost her life in a house fire in Pukekohe
mid-way through January.
Subsequently, two teenagers – a
16-year-old girl and 18-year-old
man were charged with arson with
police saying more charges will be
laid.
The two storied house was burning
fiercely when the first fire appliances
arrived shortly after 2am. Three fire
appliances and 20 firefighters fought
the fire which badly damaged the
bottom floor of the house.
Neighbours of the house quickly
became concerned that the occupant
was still inside.
“The heat was so intense on the other
side when I came out it was billowing
out of the windows in the top story.
And I knew the children weren’t
there, but I wasn’t so sure about the
mother,” Brian Golding said.
Another neighbour, Wana Wilson
was woken about 1am by his dog
barking. He looked out the window
to see the house next door in flames
and thought: ‘No, it can’t be happening
again’.
Wana lost his niece and grandnephew
in the Mangere fire that
claimed the lives of four children just
two weeks prior. That fire was caused
by unattended cooking while this
fire was deliberately lit.
Last year Fire & Rescue delved into
the high rate of fire fatalities that
New Zealand has been experiencing
over the past 12-18 months. In the
statistics they are called ‘Avoidable
residential fatalities’ and it is very
true of this one that it was an
avoidable fatality. The 49-year-old
Incidents
had removed the smoke alarms from
her house only three weeks before the
fire because they kept going off when
she was making toast in the kitchen.
It reinforces just how important it
is to make sure that the public is
properly educated on how to install
smoke alarms so they are most
efficient. Information on exactly this
can be found at www.fire.org.nz
under Fire Safety and Safety Devices.
The high fatality rate seems especially
true of South Auckland. It is for
this reason that the Fire Service is
investigating a targeted campaign to
really ram home fire safety messages
to this particular area of the country.
More information on this new
campaign will be in future issues.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine February 2009
Picture courtesy of NZPA 11

Picture courtesy of NZPA
12 Issue No. 48
Incidents
FREEZING?
DON'T THINK SO!
It was a fire described by some firefighters as the
biggest Auckland had seen in decades.
At its peak there were 100 firefighters
working in shifts to try and bring it
under control.
The old Southdown Freezing Works
building was completely gutted by the
fire that started on December 20 and
continued to occupy the Fire Service
through Christmas – on Christmas day
crews from around the region had to
rotate two hour shifts at the site to
ensure the fire didn’t flare up again.
Firefighters battling the blaze could not
get to the seat of the fire because of the
danger of falling debris, unstable and
unsafe floors. It was fought from the
outside but continued to burn fiercely
for days.
Off-duty firefighters were called in
when it became apparent that the blaze
was going to be huge.
On the 28th – over a week after the
initial flare up, firefighters were at last
pulled from the site.
While the cause of the fire was
not apparent immediately, FSO Ray
Coleman believed it was suspicious
and handed the investigation over to
the police.

Picture courtesy of NZPA
Mahia scorcher
Gisborne and its surrounding
areas are some of the
hottest parts of the country,
and the hottest parts of
the country combined
with the hottest time
of year means
extreme fire danger.
Mahia learnt just how extreme
when a huge scrub fire destroyed
six properties and forced the
evacuation of more than 150
residents in a blaze that took 100
firefighters and three helicopters
to bring it under control.
The fire began on the last day of
January as temperatures in the
area reached 39 degrees.
One for the road
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Incidents
Firefighters spent the next two
days battling the blaze as it
swelled from high winds and
high temperatures.
Days later evacuated residents
were able to return to their
homes – many of which suffered
smoke damage.
At the time of print the cause of
the fire was unknown.
New Years Eve got off to
quite a start in Auckland
when firefighters were
called out to a car fire on
Auckland motorway.
Several passing motorists notified
the Fire Service of the blazing car,
which was in the bus lane of
an off-ramp, just south of the
Auckland Harbour Bridge,
about 7.55am.
Firefighters arrived to find the car
well ablaze but empty and the fire
was extinguished in minutes.
February 2009
Picture courtesy of Wairoa Star
13

14 Issue No. 48
Incidents
The great fire
of Dargaville
From tragedy comes togetherness and this is
especially true of Dargaville in recent weeks.
In early January a fire tore through Normanby Street – the main road
of Dargaville – burning down a number of businesses.
A decorations store, a video store and a paint store were all badly
damaged. Dargaville CFO Mitch King said that the paint store had provided
plenty of fuel for the inferno. CFO King said it was the biggest blaze
the town had seen since the 1960s.
Firefighters were called at 7.30pm when flames were noticed coming
from the home decorating shop. In just over an hour, the fire had
spread to the surrounding businesses and 20 appliances from around
the region were on the scene.
Over 100 firefighters were called in to help battle the blaze that took
over two hours to bring under control. Even then firefighters remained
at the site all night dampening down hotspots.
Ken Foster, owner of all the buildings which were burnt down was sad
but resolute.
“We’ve just started to settle down, it’s still a bit unbelievable really,
but we are very positive about the future, we’re not going to let this
knock us off our perch.”
After days of investigation, the cause of the fire was pinpointed to a
faulty electrical switchboard.
The owners of the businesses had told fire investigators that they had
been having issues with fuses blowing for some time. FSO Craig Bain
said this was consistent with what he found. “The remnants of a
switchboard and the copper wiring had melted into blobs,” he said.
“If fuses keep popping at home or work it indicates there is something
wrong and it’s time to get an electrician to take a look.”
When the damage to the town was realised, it was quickly decided to
put on a concert in an effort to raise money to help those worst
affected. The Fire Benefit Concert was held on January 30 and was
hosted by My House, My Castle’s Rob Harte – a local.
The concert featured local acts and brought together hundreds of
people from around the community so that the Dargaville businesses,
like a phoenix could rise from the Ashes. Just over $5000 was raised
for the township.

Incidents
Pictures courtesy of the Dargaville and District News
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine February 2009
15

Between midnight and 7pm firefighters were
dispatched to 11 call-outs – six fires, a call-back
to an earlier fire, one MVA and three PFAs.
One of the fires proved slightly trickier than the
others. Just before 3.30am flames were spotted
coming from a shed on Bluff Highway,
firefighters responded but when they reached
the address found they couldn’t get close enough
to the structure as a wire fence and gate were
blocking them!
Out came the bolt-cutters, a few minutes and a
bit of a crawl later and firefighters were through
the new gap and able to get to the blaze.
The owner of the shed, Gary Rodgers was
told of the fire at 5.30am by a tenant.
“The tenant said ‘I’ve got some bad news
for you.’ I said ‘the bastards have broken
into Bluff Road haven’t they?’ he said
‘it’s worse than that, it’s gone’.”
16 Issue No. 48
Incidents
Southland tales
Firefighters were called to a spate
of blazes around the Southland
region on one busy night.
Pictures courtesy of Barry Harcourt

Historic burn
An historic places building in Arrowtown narrowly avoided being burned to the ground
after the quick response of firefighters to a call-out in early January.
Firefighters from Arrowtown,
Queenstown and Frankton were
called to the Category Two listed
Stables Restaurant just after 9pm
after staff had found a clothes dryer
“full of flames.”
Malcolm Troop was celebrating his
birthday at the restaurant when he
and his guests were told to evacuate.
He dialled 111 immediately.
“They were here in about three
minutes he said.”
Firefighters brought the blaze under
control about 30 minutes after the
callout, although it did require
the smashing of upstairs windows to
gain access.
Arrowtown DCFO Wayne Patterson
was happy with the response of his
firefighters.
If appliances had arrived any later,
other historic buildings close by
would have been in danger of catching
fire as well, he said.
Southern Region’s Fire Safety Officer,
Barry Gibson, said the building had
neither smoke alarms nor a sprinkler
system.
Despite the destruction of about
15 historic buildings each year in
New Zealand from fire, protection
for them is up to the owners and
local authorities, says the area
manager of the Historic Places Trust.
Incidents
Statistics provided by the Trust
showed about 93% of heritage
buildings involved in fires did not
have fire or heat detection systems.
New Zealand Insurance Council
insurance manager John Lucas said
it was up to individual insurance
companies to specify fire protec-
tion – his organisation did not
impose requirements but provided
guidelines.
There were no requirements for
historic buildings or restaurants to
have smoke alarms or sprinkler
systems, but there was generally a
recommendation to have alarms
and sprinklers in accommodation
premises, he said.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine February 2009
Picture courtesy of NZPA 17

18 Issue No. 48
New Technology
Kawau
first
response
vehicle
a first!
Kawau Island is an island
of exceptional beauty and
historic significance, and lies
approximately 14km east of
Warkworth, north of Auckland.
There are around 70 permanent residents and several hundred
residential sections, many with holiday homes. There are very few
roads and most of the properties are accessible by water only.
During the year, and especially over the summer months, the island
population swells by many thousands of day visitors, overseas
tourists and holiday makers.
At present there are five bays on the island with a first response
capability in case of medical, fire, environmental, Civil Defence
and other emergencies. For all local responses, the Kawau Island
emergency service personnel use their own boats or wait for the
next available water taxi, which can be delayed considerably
during the busy summer season. This is because there are no fire
appliances or ambulances on the island due to a lack of roading.
It was recognised several years ago that a dedicated marine rapid
response vessel was needed to be able to respond to a diverse
range of different emergencies as quickly as possible.
The decision was made to invest in a first response unit that was
appropriate to the island’s unique situation. A modified threeperson
jetski was seen as the best option for a number of reasons
– it can be launched by one person, can operate at high speeds and
was easily modified.
Five pods were installed on the jetski, one each for fire, medical,
lighting, environmental and one for special operations. Each pod
carries a specific set of emergency response tools suitable for
whichever emergency the team is responding to.
Although Surf Lifesavers and Coast Guard services use jetskis,
Kawau believe their Rapid Response Vessel is a first for
New Zealand (and possibly the world).
Dave Jeffreys and Mark Phillips
check out the new RRV.

School Trip
Most 7-year-old boys dream of being a firefighter, of riding a
firetruck around and wearing the uniform. It’s just a role that appeals.
Jake Murray of Ashburton got to live that
dream for one morning after winning an online contest.
Jake jumped online to firewise.fire.org.nz, the kid’s fire safety
website and entered in our most recent competition.
The competition was an online quiz that required kids to
answer a series of questions based on fire safety and
fun facts found from around the website.
The Fire Service was inundated with entries;
pleasingly the majority of them had all correct
answers. From these correct entries, Jake’s name
was drawn out of a hat and he and his
family were delighted to hear he’d be
taken to Hampstead School in a fire
appliance!
Ashburton volunteer Charlie
Kelland picked Jake up and outfitted
him in a kid’s sized set of
Level 2’s and helmet and off they
went. Most of Hampstead School
was outside awaiting Jake’s arrival
and gave an almighty cheer when the
fire appliance rounded the corner.
Jake’s choice of words for the event
were “wicked fun” though he was
out of his level 2’s as soon as he
could, “they are far too hot!”
Out & About
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine February 2009
19

Our own ‘5-up’
In February 2004, Fire & Rescue ran a story on the
Te Puke Fire Brigade showing six brigade members
who had had new additions to their families that year.
Well the youngest of those six has very recently turned five and
we thought it was time for an update!
From left are Nikau Pelham, DCFO Dale Lindsay with Peter,
CFO Glenn Williams with Amanda, Acting SO Peter Jones and
Damien, SSO Mark Norris and Lisa and David Loynes with Caitlin.
New Station for Paraparaumu
January saw the commissioning
of Paraparaumu’s new station
situation in Te Roto Drive,
Paraparaumu.
After 50 years at the old station in
Kapiti Road, the move to this new
station is long overdue.
Paraparaumu CFO Wayne Sarjeant was
delighted. “To go from a 50yr old station
to a brand new one is an amazing step
forward, previously we had no room
for training at the old station but the
new one has fantastic facilities, and it’s
eco-friendly!”
20 Issue No. 48
In the Community
The 2004 article.

The world’s toughest
two minutes in sport
The firefighter’s combat challenge is billed as the toughest
two minutes in sport and it’s something New Zealand
firefighters have gotten quite good at.
In late 2008 the Firefighter’s Combat Challenge world
championship was held in Las Vegas and ‘Team Blackfire’
represented New Zealand.
The team was made up of Doug Kinsella, Haydn Parker,
Rob Holah, Jade South, Steve Fairweather, Donny Butters,
Stu Hiddleston, Manu Clarkson.
The first day of the competition was hugely successful for
New Zealand with all individuals running a personal
best time – with
three of the team
finishing the day
in the top 20.
Fun & Games
By the time the
three day event
was finished,
Team Blackfire
had finished a
hugely credible 15th – made even more remarkable by
the fact that they had to beat over 100 teams just to
make the final!
In the individual competition, Doug Kinsella lead the
way for the Kiwi team with a personal best time of 1.42,
enough to secure him a top 50 placing, 13 seconds
behind the overall winner, Brandon Cunningham from
Fort Gordon in Georgia.
Speaking to Rob Holah after the event he said he
was really proud of how Team Blackfire performed.
“2008 was a huge year for us, with the world champs
and Team Black Fire NZ is now registered as an
incorporated society. We are looking forward to the
challenges in training, competition, and the growth of
the team and sport this year!”
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine February 2009
21

2009
Sports Sports
Calendar Calendar
Get out those calendars because
there are a few dates coming up
that you best put a ring around.
March 4-5 2009
National Lawn Bowls
Tournament
Stratford
rhhsmith@xtra.co.nz
May 15-17 2009
National Squash
Tournament
New Plymouth
rachel.lind@fire.org.nz
May 2009
National Volley Ball
Tournament
Tauranga
kerry.gordon@fire.org.nz
August 2009
National Trout Fishing
Tournament
Turangi
jim.prescott@fire.org.nz
22 Issue No. 48
Sports Calendar
March 22 2009
Taranaki Provincial Fire
Brigades Outdoor Bowls
New Plymouth
syjorob@xtra.co.nz
May 2009
National Darts
Tournament
Papamoa
sandford@orcon.net.nz
July 5 2009
Wellington Provincial F/B
Golf Tournament
Feilding Golf Club
warren.dunn@fire.org.nz
August 2009
National Alpine Ski
Championships
Ohakune
ohakune@fire.org.nz
March 8–11 2009
National Surf-Riding
Championships
Piha
stepham.sosich@fire.org.nz
May 2009
Wairarpa Sub Assn
Golf Tournament
Carterton Golf Club
henry.stechman@fire.org.nz
July 2009
National Snooker
Tournament
henry.stechman@fire.org.nz
August 30 2009
Wellington Provincial
Indoor Bowls Tournament
Wellington
denchy@xtra.co.nz
March 30 2009
Region 3 vs 4
Golf Tournament
Palmerston North
warren.dunn@fire.org.nz
May 2009
Bay Waikato Annual
Golf Tour
Putaruru Golf Club
putaruru@fire.org.nz
July 2009
South Island Volleyball
Tournament
michael.cockburn@fire.org.nz
If you know of
an event missing,
please contact
Fire & Rescue

The Fire Service’s Fire Safety Ambassador,
Peter Leitch, aka the Mad Butcher has
been getting hands-on in his new role!
Wayne Gerrand, manager of the
Palmerston North Mad Butcher shop,
and ex member of Carterton VFB, invited
Peter to Palmy on a promotional tour.
While there, Peter took time out to help
promote the Keep Looking When You’re
Cooking and Don’t Drink & Fry campaigns
that he’s graciously donated his time to.
He even signed a copy of December’s
Fire & Rescue.
Right now we’re working with Peter on
a range of other promotional initiatives
designed to encourage the installation
and regular testing of smoke alarms.
Noticeboard
In December’s Fire & Rescue we
did a recap of the year’s events.
In the recap we reported that
Kinleith Pulp and Paper Mill had
been razed by fire on February 5.
This was not true, Kinleith did
experience a fire but it is back
fully operational (and has been for
sometime). Fire & Rescue regrets
the error.
Te Kuiti VFB is celebrating its
centenary during Easter weekend
this year. Any inquiries to be
directed to either Grahame Howell
on 021 253 7227 or Phil New on
027 661 5800.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine February 2009
23

The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Published February 2009
By the New Zealand Fire Service
Media, Promotions & Communications
National Headquarters, Wellington
www.fire.org.nz