"Kaikōura's State-of-the-Art Fire Station Unveiled:”

The opening of the Kaikōura new Fire Station

“A Beacon of Safety for the Community’’

The Kaikōura Volunteer Fire Brigade and the entire community rejoiced as they marked the momentous occasion of the official opening of their new, purpose-built fire station on the 22 July 2023. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Barbara Edmonds, along with Fire and Emergency representatives, local iwi, stakeholders, including Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle, and past members of the Kaikōura brigade, participated in the celebration.

Hon. Barbara Edmonds cutting the ribbon

The journey towards this cutting-edge $7.04 million facility began in 2021 after a devastating earthquake in 2016 rendered the old station unfit for use. Located dangerously close to the shore, the previous station was also vulnerable to tsunami risks. However, the new station, thoughtfully positioned outside the tsunami zone, embodies resilience and foresight.

Thanks to the generous funding support, in part from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, the new station boasts an array of features, including three appliance bays, decontamination and breathing apparatus filling facilities, spacious operations and training rooms, as well as well-equipped offices. In addition, a resource garage is on-site to house supplementary appliances and a tanker.

The new Kaikōura Fire Station

District Commander of Canterbury, Dave Stackhouse, from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, expressed his enthusiasm for the new station and its potential to serve as a vital hub for emergency services and the community. He emphasised that this state-of-the-art facility is constructed to withstand seismic challenges, ensuring continued operation even after a disaster strikes.

Kaikōura Fire Station

Stackhouse noted that the role of local firefighters extends far beyond responding to fires; the new station will equip them to handle a diverse range of incidents around Kaikōura, further strengthening their capacity to safeguard the community.

The opening of this modern fire station stands as a testament to Kaikōura's unwavering spirit and preparedness, providing a secure base for the Kaikōura Volunteer Fire Brigade to serve their community diligently for many years to come.

MEDIA: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

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