Maungakaramea gets new fire station - 20 years after work began

Maungakaramea Fire Force volunteers, from left, Crystal Hunt, Barry Smith, chief, Murray Johnstone, chief controller, Joel Cleaver, health and safety, and Andrew Saut, proudly stand outside their new fire station, which was formally opened on Saturday. Photos / Tania Whyte

The Maungakaramea Fire Station was formally opened on Saturday, 20 years after work started in 2005.

Maungakaramea Fire Force Deputy Controller Barry Smith said work on the station started in 2005, but after the rural fire forces amalgamated with Fire Service to become Fire and Emergency NZ, the station work had finally been finished.

Smith said the new station was welcomed by the almost dozen volunteers and he hoped it would help attract more firefighters.

"We always need more volunteer firefighters,'' he said.

Northern Advocate

photographer Tania Whyte went along for the celebration.

Opening of Maungakaramea Fire Station Wayne Smith a volenteer from Portland supporting his collegues. 18th August 2018 Photo Tania Whyte

Maurice and Debbie Schicker and Julie and Andy Mokaraka. Julie is the secretary/treasurer of Maungakaramea Fire Force.

Bob and Margaret Leader with Margaret and Kevin Wing supporting the volunteers.

Jarred Thomas, Carl Sims and Derek McFarlane, of the Portland fire party, went along to see the Maungakaramea force's new station.