A kitchen fire safety demo at Children's Day 2018. Photo / Altitude Photography, courtesy Rotorua Lakes Council
A kitchen fire safety demo at Children's Day 2018. Photo / Altitude Photography, courtesy Rotorua Lakes Council
Rotorua families will get a close-up look at the lifesaving work of the region’s emergency services this Sunday.
Emergency Services Fun Day at the Rotorua Village Green brings together firefighters, police, paramedics and search and rescue teams for a morning of demonstrations and hands‑on activities.
Running from 10amto 1pm, the free event aims to showcase how these frontline crews work together to protect the Rotorua district — from road crashes and house fires to emergencies across the lakes, forests and backcountry.
The day will bring together a wide range of local services, including Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, Hato Hone St John, Civil Defence, Coastguard, Land Search and Rescue, and the Red Cross.
Members of the public will have the chance to meet the people behind the uniforms, ask questions, and learn more about how these services work together to keep Rotorua safe.
There will be plenty to see and do, with interactive displays and live demonstrations throughout the morning.
Popular attractions include the kitchen fire safety demonstration and police dog unit display, offering an engaging way for families to learn about emergency response and prevention.
The event begins at 10am with a live crash scenario, where police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and Hato Hone St John will demonstrate how they respond to a serious car crash.
Rotorua Land Search and Rescue will also be onsite hosting a sausage sizzle fundraiser, with additional food options available for those wanting to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the activities.
Police dogs at Children’s Day 2018. Photo / Altitude Photography, courtesy Rotorua Lakes Council
Rotorua Lakes Council transport safety coordinator and event organiser Georgie Griffiths said the day is about connection, learning, and strengthening community safety.
“This is a great opportunity for whānau to meet the people who respond when we need help the most, and to learn simple, practical ways we can all reduce risk.
“Sometimes it’s just a small action that makes a big difference, like wearing a seatbelt or a lifejacket, and this event helps start those important conversations.”
The Emergency Services Day is free to attend and suitable for all ages. Families are encouraged to come along and enjoy the demonstrations.
