Working with Rarotonga to keep residents safe

Our firefighting neighbours in Rarotonga will soon receive a surplus Fire and Emergency appliance after it left New Zealand shores today (17 June).

The appliance, pictured, is on its way to Rarotonga

As part of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council agreement, we support the Cook Islands and Niue through the exchange of information, sharing of expertise and resources. This agreement is supported by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pacific Islands Emergency Management Alliance as we work together to develop a sustainable fire and emergency service in the Cook Islands.

Fire and Emergency received a request from the Cook Islands for a spare appliance due to its current appliance being rusty and beyond repair. This month, we were finally able to help as one of our vehicles left our shores after being classed as surplus to requirements in New Zealand and would have otherwise been sold into the open market. It is still fully functional and will be used for years to come in the Cook Islands.

Ian Pickard, National Manager People and Workforce Capability, said, “When the Fleet team and I identified that the Pahiatua Volunteer Fire Brigades 1993 Type 1 Mitsubishi FK 160 Appliance had was no longer needed in New Zealand, we knew just the place for it to go. Our colleagues in the Cook Islands were incredibly grateful when we told them we could replace their old truck, and following some minor repairs, it left for its new home.”

The appliance was fully serviced before leaving for Rarotonga, which included removal of rust and the fixing of brakes. All Fire and Emergency signage and identification was removed, along with the radio and other technical equipment.

The truck will arrive in Rarotonga on 2 July.