Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade has new resources in the battle against the blaze.

The brigade has been provided with a first response vehicle and important fire-fighting equipment, thanks to the people of Japan and the Japanese Grassroots Fund.  

Also included are valuable portable lighting units, a new hose and hose washer, a Rescue Anne, a training mannequin to practice their first aid skills, traffic wands, hooligan tools and a ground monitor.

Japan has also approved funding for the existing fire station to be extended, work is expected to get underway in the coming weeks.  

Puaikura Fire Brigade chief officer Jason Moorfield said the team are very excited about introducing the latest addition to their fleet.

The new 2023 Mitsubishi Triton ute with a custom made Utemaster service body will respond to incidents such as fires and/or motor vehicle incidents that require additional resources, such as additional hose, BA cylinders, portable lighting, radios, first aid resources and canteen provisions to supply to firefighters.

“We were fortunate to have $222,000 approved from the Japanese Embassy to purchase this vehicle, additional equipment including resuscitation training equipment, portable lifting, a ground monitor, new 70mm and 45mm hose and hose washer. Other items include traffic wands and hooligan tools,” Moorfield said.

“Most of the funding will go towards the extension of the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Station in Arorangi. This building extension will allow both fire appliances to be housed together under the one roof. This renovation will extremely improve our response times to incidents. This project is due to commence in two weeks with T&M Heather undertaking the necessary building and site works.”

It is anticipated that the renovations will allow the station to become more of a training and response hub in the event of disasters or emergencies.

Moorfield thanked the people of Japan and the Japanese Grassroots Development Fund for making this possible.

In addition, the 24 members of the brigade have been working hard on the project for the past two years and it is finally coming together, he said.

“An official opening and open day will take place, once the work is completed, hopefully by the end of March 2024.

“Thank you to all of our supporters and sponsors.”