Download PDF: Issue 54 - New Zealand Fire Service

November 2009
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Stamping out
arson
ISSUE
54

November 2009
Issue No. 54
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 community looks on at
the results of arson at a Moerewa school
in Northland. Photo: Rickie-Lee Russ.
Back cover: It’s tougher than it looks,
Tony Dench of Havelock North takes the
determined approach to the Australasian
Firefighters Championship in Rotorua.
Contributions to Fire & Rescue
We welcome ideas for articles, news
and events that would be of interest to
other Fire Service staff and volunteers.
Draft articles and photos (pictures
need to be at least 1MB) can be
emailed to fire.rescue@fire.org.nz or
contact the editor Karlum Lattimore
on 04 496 3702.
Post written material and photos,
or photo CDs to:
Fire & Rescue magazine,
PO Box 2133, Wellington.
(These will be returned on request)
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.
4
10
7 8
New Technology Replacement for the radio network ...........................................3
Arson Damping down arson ........................................................................4
What’s New Mount Roskill Fire Station ................................................................6
Fire Safety Keeping their community safe ......................................................7
The Challenge We are the champions .....................................................................8
Conference Notes Encouraging a team approach to fire safety ....................10
The holistic handling of false alarms ......................................11
Hoarders at risk in a fire ..............................................................12
Reducing Risk P manufacturers pose danger to firefighters .....................13
Fireworks Caught up in the Big Bang ..........................................................14
Helping Others Making a difference .........................................................................16
People A couple of minutes with... Paula Beever .............................18
Notices and News Sports notices .......................................................................................19
2010 UFBA Annual Conference registration
now open ...............................................................................................19
Fuel injection for volunteers .........................................................19
14
16

Replacement for
the radio network
Wellington City firefighter Sam Fairley
tries out a digital radio prototype.
Early next year, Wellington Fire Service staff will be the first to begin using new digital
radio technology to replace their analogue system, following a similar geographic
roll out plan already underway by Police.
The Fire Service will share the Police
digital radio network in the same way it
has been sharing the analogue network.
Over time, it’s anticipated other critical
emergency services and support agencies
could join the network.
Police have been using the new digital
radio technology in Wellington since July
this year and expect their rollout into the
Auckland and Canterbury regions to be
completed by December 2010 – in advance
of the Rugby World Cup. The network
is expected to be nationwide in 2014
(subject to government funding).
Project Manager Dave Watson says
“An APCO P25 system is being used,
which is a standard based, ‘open’ system
specifically designed for public safety and
emergency services use.
“The system can operate in conventional
or trunked modes. Police have rolled out
a trunked network in Wellington, with
better voice clarity and secure encryption
– which means their radio comms can’t
be listened to via scanners.
“For us, the new system will see status
messages (selcall) removed from the
voice traffic channel, so there will be
no more distracting bleeps.”
Dave says the channels (talk groups)
are allocated per user group, so the
Fire Service will have its own talk
groups.
“Coverage is expected to be similar
to what we have currently and in
those areas where digital coverage
is not yet complete, we will use
vehicles with both analogue and
digital radio systems,” he said.
More details on the digital
network and how the system
is operated will be widely
distributed as it rolls out.
New Technology
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine November 2009
3

Arson
Damping down arson
Around quarter of a billion dollars worth of property has been lost to arson in
New Zealand over the past seven years.
Each year, police investigate more than 2,000 arson offences (2654 in 2008),
three quarters of which are carried out by people under the age of 21.
Around six per cent of all structure fires are started by arsonists.
Deliberately lit fires cause millions of dollars worth of
damage to homes, schools and businesses each year.
The Fire Service is working with Police and other
government and community agencies on a joint response
to this threat to our community.
In mid November, the Fire Service hosted the first
National Arson Reduction Forum to promote improved
coordination and collaboration of arson reduction
initiatives in our communities. Those attending the
Wellington meeting included representatives from
Police, Fire, Ministry of Education, insurers, psychologists
and others.
4 Issue No. 54
Issues that were discussed included domestic arson fraud,
the costs of arson, offender profiling, improved intelligence
systems and how to work together to prevent arson and
catch those who deliberately light fires.
Peter Wilding, Fire Service Manager of Fire Investigation
and Arson Reduction, says “New Zealand leads the world
in terms of its work with child firelighters. However our
national arson statistics shows there’s still a lot of work
to do”.
Peter has studied arson reduction efforts internationally
and says “There is overwhelming evidence to indicate

that the most effective arson reduction
projects occur when government
agencies, businesses and the community
work together”.
Some of the methods for ramping
up the war against arson that were
discussed at the forum included:
new data analysis techniques, cuttingedge
arson detection equipment,
collaborative working agreements
with the Police and the NZ Insurance
Council, and web based ‘toolkits’ to
provide guidance for reducing and
dealing with arson.
Peter says “It’s vital that we work
together at scenes, share gathered
intelligence, utilise the advantages of
new technology and promote joint
training between our people to ensure
New Zealand communities are made
as safe as possible from arson.”
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Faip – 98 per cent success rate
Groundbreaking research funded by the Fire Service Commission shows
that our Fire Service education programme for young fire-setters has a
98 per cent success rate.
The study examined the criminal records of 200 young people who went
through the Fire Service education programme for young fire-setters.
It showed that only two per cent went on to commit further arsons over
the following 10 years. It also showed that parents, professionals and
participants felt the programme was helpful in raising awareness about the
danger and consequences of fire.
Fire Service manager of FAIP Peter Wilding said “This study confirms
the incredible effectiveness of FAIP in helping children overcome firelighting
behaviour.”
Lead researcher and clinical psychologist Dr Ian Lambie said “The young
offenders almost all had serious anti-social behaviour and many came
from dysfunctional and multi-problem families. Of the 200 in the study,
over a dozen were imprisoned at some point over the 10-year period and
55 per cent went on to commit offences other than arson”.
“It appears that their fire-setting was not as persistent and prevalent as
their other offending. However this is very likely due to the positive impact
that the FAIP education had on reducing fire-setting. It might be that
some young people also grow out of fire-setting and replace it with other
criminal behaviour. Or it could be a combination of the two – we need to
do more research to find out,” he said.
“What is clear from this recent research is that many fire-setters are at high
risk of future criminal offending so we need to build on our multi-agency,
collaborative approach to address their needs.”
Peter Wilding is also concerned by the high levels of other offending.
“It may be useful to examine whether it would be viable to expand the
programme to address other anti-social behaviours,” he said.
November 2009
Arson
A youngster demonstrates
the fascination with fire.
5

What’s New
Mount Roskill Fire Station
Staff at the new Mount Roskill fire station are happy to show off their new surroundings –
and have been asked to do so by passers-by.
The station was opened by the Prime Minister in September
and replaces the 82 year old former station in Mt Albert Road.
The new station has an urban design theme which is
environmentally friendly with energy saving lighting, heat
efficiency insulation and new non-slip flooring in both the
appliance bay and gymnasium.
As firefighter Ashton Wessels put it “The old station was very
cold, run down and tired. We are really pleased with the new
station – it’s warm and has a friendly feel.
“It’s totally different. We have had a few members of the public
knock on the door and ask for a look round and we have also
picked up some new schools who have brought the children
over for a visit.”
The building has many environmentally sustainable design
features, including: solar water heating, rainwater harvesting,
and great insulation.
Breaking news...
The Kapiti Fire Station at Paraparaumu has just won a national
Master Builder Award.
The station, built by Armstrong Downes Limited, was chosen as
the National Winner, Industrial and Infrastructure Project in the
Registered Master Builder 2009 Commercial Project Awards.
The fire station was opened earlier this year and won the award
largely because of its use of smart and sustainable technology
and building practices. Pictures by Eryn Wilson and Paul Startin.
6 Issue No. 54

Keeping their community safe
Volunteers from the Waipara Volunteer Fire Brigade in North Canterbury recently visited
all 100 homes in their urban area to install smoke alarms and discuss fire safety.
Simon East talks Firewise with the kids and screws in another smoke alarm.
The initiative is now being extended via a partnership
with rural volunteer fire forces to a further 500 homes
in the outlying district.
The campaign has been spearheaded by Senior Firefighter
Simon East who says “We publicised the campaign
through local newspapers and made the visits on our
training night. We followed up the next week to mop up
the houses we didn’t visit the week before. Then we met
up with the rural fire groups on their training night
to give them some instruction – both in smoke alarm
installation and also general fire safety messaging”.
The week before, the brigade along with Flint and Amber,
spent the weekend at a local vintage machinery festival.
“People at the show really identified with the message
we were trying to get across which helped make our
campaign in the local homes much more effective. It’s a
case of reiterating simple messages over time.”
His advice to other volunteer brigades is to work in
pairs. “Any more people and it gets a little intimidating,
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Fire Safety
and visiting on your own means you’re too busy to do
the fire safety messaging.”
“Get down to kids’ level. It’s always important with kids
to communicate with them without being patronising –
you’re more likely to get the message across. Also keep
it simple – if we can leave a home with a four year old
able to repeat ‘Get down, get low, get out’ we’ve done
our job.”
Simon was impressed by how well children engaged with
the fire safety message. “It seems Firewise is working and
the message is getting out there. However, there were
a lot of properties where batteries were missing from
smoke alarms.”
The Waipara volunteers also met with several households
that included hearing-impaired people who didn’t realise
they could get special smoke alarms.
The fire safety campaign was funded by the William
Hanna Fund which is administered by national headquarters.
November 2009
7

The Challenge
We are the champions
Carterton has done it again. After earning the title of 2009 UFBA National Waterway
Champion in Queenstown earlier this year, the well-practised team from the Wairarapa
has gone on to take the Australasian Firefighters Championship, held in Rotorua on
17 and 18 October.
By Christa Lawlor
The top teams from six Australian states and New Zealand
competed in heavy rainfalls that came and went
throughout the weekend, causing poor conditions on the
grounds. But the wet weather didn’t seem to faze the eight
teams representing New Zealand.
Remaining in the driver’s seat for most of the
Championship, Carterton earned 174 points overall and
won six of 10 events along the way. New Zealand’s
success didn’t stop there. Silverdale, Kaitangata, and the
composite team from Maungaturoto and Havelock North
finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.
And the winners are...
Carterton – (from left to right)
Bottom row: Blaine Smith, James Rodger.
Middle row: Michael Hicks,
Michael Wakefield.
Top row: Wayne Robinson,
Vaea Peterson,
Gordon Taylor (coach).
8 Issue No. 54
Mossburn and Havelock North’s four-person team tied
for seventh; the composite team from Tairua and Te Aroha
placed eleventh. Rangiora tied for sixteenth place.
The eight teams representing New Zealand were chosen
by the UFBA based on their performances at the
Nationals. “Our teams are passionate about these
competitions and have put in countless hours of practice
to get to the Australasian Firefighters Championship,”
said UFBA CEO George Verry. “They dedicate so much
time to protecting their communities and then even more
time to training for these competitions. The New Zealand
teams should be very proud of their efforts.”

Above: And they’re
racing... Kaitangata’s
Greg Peoples,
Kevin Sutton and
Paul Williams.
It was an exciting
weekend of firsts
The United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA), with
support from the New Zealand Fire Service, hosted the
event for the first time on this side of the Tasman.
And in another first, the sought-after Perpetual Trophy
will be held by New Zealand. Appropriately, Dame
Margaret Bazley, Chairperson of the NZFS Commission
and a resident of Carterton, presented the trophy to
her home-town brigade alongside UFBA President
Lex Calder.
It was also the first time the event reached its 30 team
limit and the first year that the competition adopted
the brand “Australasian Firefighters Championship”.
Although New Zealand teams have competed in it since
its inception in 2003, it was previously named “National
Firefighters Championship”.
Below: (from left) Silverdale’s Don McErlich,
Adrian Rice and Shanan Fraser haul hose.
National Championship Report Top 10
The Challenge
Photos: Grant Harper
Left: Te Aroha’s
Rawiri White gets
a steadying hand
from an official.
Order Brigade Points
1 Carterton (NZ) 174
2 Nowra (NSW) 117
3 Melbourne (VIC) 87
4 Silverdale (NZ) 86
5 Kaitangata (NZ) 76
6 Maungaturoto/Havelock North (NZ) 72
7 Dandenong (VIC) 70
7 Mossburn (NZ) 70
7 Havelock North (NZ) 70
10 Lakes Entrance (VIC) 64
Full results at: www.firefighterchampionships.com.au
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine November 2009
9

Conference Notes
Encouraging a team
approach to fire safety
A core Fire Service goal is to actively promote and coordinate fire safety in New Zealand.
To support this, a large part of our strategy focuses on fire risk management.
All staff, not just those in Fire Safety, have a part to play
in helping New Zealanders become more fire-safe.
Recently members of the National Community Safety
Group headed out into the regions to discuss the progress
that’s been made to introduce the fire risk management
approach to their work and gather feedback.
Alan Merry, Principal Advisor Fire Risk Management,
headed up the visiting team and came back from the first
round of discussions, full of enthusiasm and ideas.
He told those at the Fire Risk Management conference
“we had a lot to talk about, and there was some terrific
feedback which gave us insights into the challenges and
Alan Merry talks risk reduction
with a Warehouse representative.
10 Issue No. 54
successes being experienced by staff around the county.
Invitations were sent to a wide range of staff for each of
the workshops held in the regions and we still have two
workshops to go in Eastern and Northland.”
Some of the feedback covered problems with training in
the fire risk management material and messages. There
are also some inconsistencies in the way relevant
legislation is being interpreted.
“We also had a lot of interest from staff wanting to take
part in national initiatives and project groups and also
picked up some terrific ideas from people who had been
incorporating fire risk management in their work.”
A full report of the results of the workshops will be
written up over the next month or so and then staff
from outside of NHQ will be brought in to help determine
the next steps.

The holistic handling
of false alarms
The Christchurch method for reducing the number of call outs to false alarms was
showcased at the recent Fire Risk Management Conference.
Dan Coward, Area Manager Christchurch Metro, said in
2007 false alarms made up a considerable percentage of
total incidents attended – with 10 per cent coming from
a relatively small number of buildings.
“We set up a team of four people, made up of a rep from
each watch at the city station, who targeted false alarms.
We wanted to reduce the number of incidents attended.
They met with building owners and alarm agents, and
together addressed the activations and influenced the
building owners to make changes. The team also
established relationships with alarm companies so they
could support the changes.”
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Conference Notes
Action included:
• Met with alarm companies and explained the cost
to the organisation and company for Fire Service to
continually attend false alarms.
• Helped alarm companies to see the potential earnings
from upgrading or increasing the maintenance of
faulty or sensitive systems.
• Met with school Boards of Trustees to address false
alarms, and also to introduce Firewise and FAIP where
applicable.
• Met with building owners to ensure they understood
and owned the issue.
• Discussed our plans with the territorial authority and
the potential impact on the council as building owners
began making changes to alarm systems.
“We have now met with the general managers of alarm
companies providing services to the buildings that have
high numbers of false alarms to encourage them to help
reduce call outs.
We’ve also met with the building owners, who are now
investing in upgrading systems or changing processes.
Attitudes towards false alarms are also changing.”
Dan says as a result of the work the Metro team has been
doing there is now a greater focus on building-related fire
risk management and a greater understanding of the
role crews have when they attend a false alarm. They can
see how it can help to have a
relationship with the alarm agent
and the others involved.
“The work has been led by a
small group but this approach is
now well-supported by the crews
in the district which is fantastic,”
he said.
November 2009
11

Conference Notes
Hoarders at risk in a fire
People who hoard huge collections of ‘stuff’
in their homes may be more at risk of dying
if a fire breaks out.
In her presentation to the conference in Rotorua,
Director of Fire Risk Management Dr. Paula Beever
highlighted a recent Australian study that looked at
hoarding from a fire risk perspective.
Hoarding is described as the collection of (and failure to
discard) large quantities of objects to the point where
storage impairs basic living activities.
It is a growing problem and seems to typically involve
elderly people.
This study, sponsored by the Melbourne Metropolitan
Fire Brigade, was carried out by Bachelor of Science
students from an American university. They looked
at ten years of Melbourne fire incident data and identified
48 hoarding fire incidents. These accounted for
0.25 per cent of all residential fires in that period but
made up 24 per cent of preventable fire fatalities.
Hoarding fires, which typically involved elderly men,
use more firefighting resources than the average
residential fire.
“There are often narrow internal pathways and blocked
exits which make it difficult for people to get out and
also make it hard for firefighters to get in to rescue them
and attack the fire,” said Paula.
A hoarder’s basement.
One in four people killed in accidental house fires in
Melbourne since 2000 has been a “compulsive hoarder”.
To reduce the risk, the study recommended that steps be
taken to improve communication among government
agencies and community care services to provide the swift
removal of risks and access to treatment programmes for
those affected by hoarding behaviour.
In addition, public education about hoarding could
increase referrals to treatment programmes and help
reduce the risks posed by hoarding.
Full details of the study can be found at:
http://web.cs.wpi.edu/~rek/Projects/MFB_D09.pdf
Images from A Hoarder’s Clutter Index – one of the self-assessment tools used by psychologists and others to help identify hoarders.
12 Issue No. 54

p manufacturers pose
danger to firefighters
Fire Safety Officers and firefighters are warned
of the danger posed by a new methamphetamine
manufacturing method.
The process has been colloquially referred
to as the ‘shake ‘n’ bake’ or ‘one pot’
method.
An NZFS Safety Notice describes the ‘one
pot’ method, in which methamphetamine
‘cooks’ use a single, sealed container, which
is generally flipped upside-down to cause
the reaction needed to turn several toxic
ingredients into methamphetamine.
This method is very dangerous. The chemical
reaction inside the container (which can be
anything from a fuel canister to a drink
bottle) causes extremely high pressure to
build up after the shaking and becomes
very volatile.
The ‘one pot’ method can be used in fixed
locations or in moving vehicles. In the case
of moving vehicles, the manufacturer
generally drives around while the meth
is being made, and when the process is
completed 30 to 40 minutes later, they throw
the used container filled with toxic chemical
residue out of the window. The remnants of
the chemicals that remain in the container
are generally a muddy brown colour.
The containers can test positive for
anhydrous ammonia and, under pressure,
can result in explosions and inhalation
hazards.
Firefighters should be wary of containers
found at motor vehicle accidents or
property fires. If picked up and shaken,
the contents may react causing an explosion
or inhalation hazard.
In cases where the ‘shake ‘n’ bake’ method
is suspected or identified firefighters should
contact the police for advice before taking
further action, as with any suspected or
identified clandestine laboratory.
Reducing Risk
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine November 2009
13

Fireworks
Whakatane’s planned
40-minute fireworks display
went off in just 40 seconds.
Guy Fawkes night itself was relatively
quiet according to Communication
Centre managers. However things
were a little livelier the following
Saturday and we must make special
mention of the Whakatane 40-second
spectacular.
Whakatane Rural Volunteer Fire
Force chief Bill Wycherley was there
with his crew, as he has been for the
last five years.
“We take down the rural fire
appliance, a smoke chaser, and half
a dozen or so interested volunteers
to help sandbag the launchers and
so on. Then we just stand back while
the show goes on. We’ve only had
one spot fire in the past and it was
just about the size of a dinner plate.”
“So this year, we got everything
ready and about a minute before
9pm the fireworks were lit by the
pyro technician with a gadget that
malfunctioned and sent out a small
shower of sparks.
14 Issue No. 54
“Ten seconds later there’s an
explosion in the box where the
main cache was held and all hell
breaks loose – the whole lot went off
at once. My truck was about four
metres away and we dived out of it
and tried to get behind a wheel. There
was stuff coming over the top, round
the sides, underneath, burning paper
raining down. It was a frightening
experience. I had ear muffs on but it
was unbelievable; huge thuds and
explosions. We had to dodge all the
flying stuff which was coming from
every which way,” he said.
Bill says it was every man for himself
and the 40 seconds felt like it must
have done during a World War II
blitz.
“We waited it out, poked our heads
up when it went quiet and looked
around at the 50 or more spot fires
that were going. The little island in
the river was also on fire. We did a
quick head count to make sure
Photo: Robert Hepple
Caught up in the Big Bang
The number of call outs to Guy Fawkes-related incidents were down again this year following
the 2007 restriction on the sale of works and a growth in support for public events.
everyone was OK and then just dealt
to fires with the help of the volunteer
brigade’s portable pump. Everyone
was OK, just one minor burn and a
couple of scratches.”
CFO Ken Clarke was home watching
the Canterbury v Wellington rugby
when he got called out.
“It went off, in a big hurry. Set fire
to the vegetation, toetoe and trees –
sky rockets were going horizontal,
vertical every angle you could
think of. Guys jumping for cover and
all sorts.”
“We turned up with two trucks and a
van and pretty much just watched it
all before going home about an hour
later. There wasn’t much we could
do and the Rural guys had it under
control,” he said.
Bill says the team finished up about
1am and then headed back out over
the next few days to damp down a
few hot spots.

The history of change
In 2004 the Fire Service National
Commander called for public debate on
the banning of private sales of fireworks
and a year later the SPCA began its
campaign for a total ban.
Prior to Guy Fawkes night in 2005,
there was a spate of fireworks-related
fires caused mainly by irresponsible use
by young people.
The Fire Service announced it was in
favour of a ban against fireworks sales
to the public, with sales allowed only to
approved handlers for public displays.
It backed this with a call for research
on the views of New Zealanders. Almost
half thought fireworks should not be
available for sale. There was then a
widespread debate with strong public
support for a change.
In 2007 the Fireworks Regulations were
amended to raise the age of purchase
from 14 to 18; fireworks could only be
sold on the four days up to and including
4 November; sales of sparklers were
restricted so there could be no more
than 50 in one pack.
Guy Fawkes in 2007 was the quietest in
Fire Service records, with the lowest
number of call outs since records began
in 1996. The following two years have
also seen significantly fewer fireworksrelated
incidents and the Fire Service
continues to monitor the public’s
response.
Rural fire dealt with this aftermath in Whakatane. Photo: Robert Hepple.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Fireworks
Public events are becoming increasingly popular and it’s estimated over 150,000 people
attended this display on the Wellington waterfront. Photo: Dominion Post.
November 2009
15

Helping Others
16 Issue No. 54
Jim Stuart-Black and Ian Pickard –
back at work after their hectic
deployments.
Making a difference
Most New Zealanders only
experience an international
disaster via the six o’clock
news. For Fire Service
staff Ian Pickard and
Jim Stuart-Black it can be
a grim but rewarding reality.
Jim and Ian are two of the nine
New Zealanders who form part
of the 240-strong international
United Nations Disaster Assessment
and Coordination team (UNDAC).
Members are deployed at the
request of foreign governments to
help with aid coordination, information
management, and impact
assessments.
Recently Jim (Fire Service National
Manager Special Operations) was
sent to Samoa to help out with the
tsunami relief effort while Ian
(Arapawa Fire Region Manager) went
to the Philippines following the
devastation caused by tropical storm
Ketsana and typhoon Palma.
Ian with the San Isidro Village Council for discussions around the help they need.
“It’s come as quite a jolt to see death
and destruction on a massive scale
right in front of you. But it’s fantastic
to be able to see the difference you
can make in a very short time,” said
Ian who spent much of his 16-day
deployment trudging through mud
and floodwaters.
“You can be in an evacuation camp
one day, working out the priority
needs, and see the supplies arrive by
helicopter the next day,” he said.
The days are long and often difficult,
filled with travel by truck, jeep and
helicopter, meetings, and report
writing.
“The first few days you’re lucky if
you get just two or three hours sleep
a night,” said Ian.

Temporary living for
many of the villagers
above the hills of
Lalomanu in Samoa.
Flooding outside the hospital at Pateros City, Manila. An illustration of the wreckage left by the tsunami in Samoa.
Basically, UNDAC advisors work
with local agencies to determine
exactly what is needed following a
disaster and then help put a process
in place to make sure the right help
is distributed fairly and efficiently.
They look at the priorities for health,
food, water, shelter, agricultural
impact, local government infrastructure
and capacity as well as
public and personal safety issues.
Jim, who spent 11 days in Samoa,
says like Ian, he also finds the UN
work incredibly satisfying.
“There were two of us from UNDAC
but we also called in support from
an IT specialist and someone from
the World Food Programme. That’s
the thing about UNDAC – you have
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
access to support from anyone in the
international aid community.”
Jim says that the UN team generally
tries to strengthen the local effort,
provide guidance and then hand over
to the locals as soon as they are able
to sustain the relief effort.
“The response in Samoa was
phenomenal. The government, aid
groups, matai (local chiefs), NGOs
and all the others involved in the
disaster were very well organised.”
Both men say they have come back
with a strong impression of how
generous people can be under the
most difficult of circumstances.
“The people in these countries have
often lost everything but they still
Promotions
help each other and welcome you
with smiles and offer you whatever
food they have left,” said Ian.
The UN payment for the emergency
management expertise of Ian and Jim
is a princely $1 (US) a year. “That’s a
contractual amount for the UN
insurance coverage,” explained Ian
who admits he’s never declared the
income to the Fire Service.
Jim and Ian’s advice for those
people wanting to support an
international aid effort is to donate
money – that way you can be sure
it will be spent on what is actually
needed by those who have been
struck by disaster.
November 2009
17

People
A couple of minutes with...
18 Issue No. 54
Paula Beever Where
are you stationed?
NHQ in Wellington.
What’s your title?
Director Fire Risk Management.
What’s been your progression within the NZFS
over the past 25 years?
Joined 11 years ago as Principal Fire Engineer – a new role
at the time, then grew into a succession of other roles.
Family?
Married to Ron, who has three children and five
grandchildren – I do rather like the step-granny bit.
What’s the one thing that sticks in your mind
about the job?
The dedication and enthusiasm of colleagues.
If you could make one change to the Fire Service
what would it be?
To make the change to fully integrate risk management
principles into everything we do.
Your most embarrassing moment on the job?
Can’t think of one – or not one I’m prepared to admit to…
What’s one thing people would be surprised to
learn about you?
Nothing – it’s all on Google: from the time I achieved
in Wellington’s round-the-bays run last year to an article
I wrote on weeds for the Cottage Garden Society!
Favourite book? Pride and Prejudice.
Favourite movie?
Goldfinger – the first film I ever saw on the big screen.
Favourite TV show?
Pie in the Sky – a 1990s UK series I just watched again.
Favourite music group? Rolling Stones.
Favourite sport? Walking in mountains.
Favourite holiday desination? France.
If I wasn’t in the Fire Service...
I’d be in engineering consultancy.

Sports Notices
7-a-side soccer tournament
28-31 January 2010, Arena Manawatu
Contact: Michael.baillie@fire.org.nz
Ph: 027 2443997
Fire Service Mountain Bike
Championships
18th & 19th of February 2010
Makara Peak, Wellington
All events are open to members of the NZFS and
their families. The courses have been designed to be
achievable to all riding levels.
Contact: Gareth Hughes, SO Avalon Red Watch
Ph: 027 4089098
2010 Firefighters National Surfing
Championships
15-18 March, Piha
The event is open to all past and present members
and volunteers of the NZ Fire Service and the National
Rural Fire Authority. Entry fee $50 for two divisions,
refreshments and hangi on prize giving night.
Contact: Stephan Sosich
Email: ssosich@xtra.co.nz • Ph: 027 2284085
2010 UFBa annual
Conference registration
now open
The conference will take place in Christchurch
from 26 to 28 February. Don’t miss out…
register before 11 December 2009.
Each UFBA member brigade was sent a conference
registration pack along with voting papers for the
Board election by post. If you plan to attend the
conference, you will need to register by going online
to http://www.ufba.org.nz/events/ and clicking the
registration link. Late registrations will not be
accepted. The complete conference information pack
is also available for download through the website.
Another reminder to brigades: the postal ballot for the
Board election closes on 1 February 2010 at noon.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Notices and News
Fuel injection
for volunteers
BP New Zealand has donated fuel
vouchers to volunteer organisations
using vehicles to provide essential
services since 2006.
Our 7,500 volunteer firefighters use their own
vehicles to respond to the station whenever there
is an emergency incident in their community,
any time of the day or night. This generosity of
time and money was a significant factor in the
Fire Service again being one of the lucky recipients
in the Vouchers for Volunteers programme.
The vouchers have been donated to over 400
national, regional and local organisations with
$6000 worth given to brigades throughout the
country to recognise and reward the efforts of
volunteer firefighters.
SO Ralph Francis of Newlands VFB accepts the fuel vouchers
on behalf of the NZFS from BP New Zealand’s Managing
Director, Mike McGuinness.
November 2009
19

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