New chapter for Rotorua rural fire

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick with Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel, members of local volunteer rural fire services and Rotorua Lakes Council rural fire staff.

Responsibility for rural fire services has shifted from Rotorua Lakes Council to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

The shift was was formally marked yesterday.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand principal rural fire officer Paul Wright said yesterday's handover was an opportunity to recognise the greatly valued past contribution of the council and its staff in rural fire management.

"[Yesterday's] occasion provides the opportunity to formally acknowledge and thank the council and its dedicated staff for all their major contribution to rural fire management within the district."

Wright had worked with Rotorua Lakes Council in various roles since 1994 and said the local council's proactive approach to rural fire management had been a benchmark for others to aim for.

"I have valued the professional and supportive relationship," he said.

Last year, in a bid to provide more effective fire and emergency services across the country, urban and rural fire services merged to create Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

In the central North Island this merger involved multiple agencies which dealt in urban and rural fire responses, including Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority and Rotorua Lakes Council.

One of the last steps for the transition saw Fire and Emergency New Zealand officially assume the management of all rural processes in the Rotorua region.

"An immediate benefit of the transfer that residents may see is the substantial investment to personnel training, fleet upgrades and property improvements," Wright said.

"These investments will help create the more effective and efficient teams that support the rural community."

Rural fire permits will be issued by Fire and Emergency New Zealand from start of the next fire season.

A new national online system called 'Check it's alright' will make applying for permits easier for everyone.

It will also provide a more consistent way to monitor safety when lots of landowners are burning during fine weather.

From October 1 2018 apply for a fire permit at www.checkitsalright.nz or through the Pumicelands District number (07) 349 2795.