L-R Anupreet Kaur, Waka Petera (fireman) and Peyton Petera planting trees outside the new Napier Fire Station office. Photo / Warren Buckland
L-R Anupreet Kaur, Waka Petera (fireman) and Peyton Petera planting trees outside the new Napier Fire Station office. Photo / Warren Buckland
New fire and emergency offices may be based at the Napier Fire Station, but the region's top firefighter says the new spaces are for everyone.
Napier firefighters had the official opening of their offices on Friday morning and celebrated by planting native trees on site with St Patrick's School students.
The trees were named Kahurangi, Te mata, Tamatea, Ahuriri and Mataruahou after the significant local landmarks.
Hawke's Bay area commander Ken Cooper said the opening of the office space symbolised new beginnings for the region's fire service.
"It's about the coming together of all the functional roles from rural to urban training, business support amongst other things."
Cooper said the fire team was trying to emphasise that the fire station was a community asset.
"We want community groups to be able to come and use it to hold meetings or gatherings. We've also started a bi-cultural approach to the office so we can include Tikanga Māori," Cooper said.
The opening included about 20 firefighters, and included both rural and urban members as well as trainers and national specialists.
The district leadership team will operate from the offices as well as volunteer staff. Cooper said there was also a co-ordination centre which would be used for emergencies.
"If there's a developing incident and it requires co-ordination that will be undertaken from the building and staff will be able to help manage the incident.
"But we really want to encourage members of the community to come and use our facilities, we've got great meeting rooms which can be booked by those who need it. It's just perfect for small groups who need a place to meet."
Those wishing to use the new spaces can contact the Napier Fire Station on (06) 835 2114.
