Gull Boosts Capacity for Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergencies,

Four more generator capable outlets for the family owned fuel operator

Auckland, 17 January 2014 – Gull, New Zealand’s only family owned independent fuel retailer today demonstrated its commitment to the community announcing it had equipped four of its Bay of Plenty service stations and its Mt Maunganui terminal to operate by generator if the electricity supply is cut in a civil defence emergency.

Dave Bodger, General Manager of Gull, says that the company is playing its part, and providing support to Bay of Plenty’s civil defence preparedness.

“We have had work done at our fuel terminal at the Mount and the adjacent service station on Hewletts Road, as well as Gull sites in Whakatane, Kawerau and Rotorua. These locations have been identified by Civil Defence and the Bay of Plenty Lifelines Group (BOPLG) as strategically important.

“After completing a similar upgrade at four of our Auckland sites, we knew that it didn’t take a lot of time or cost to install this capability. It is much better to be ready than try and convert a site in the middle of an emergency.

“Gull is playing its part and supporting the community. With our terminal readied, we can supply fuel to the Bay of Plenty region and further afield, even when there is no electricity,” says Bodger.

Bay of Plenty Lifelines Group Chairman Nigel D’Ath says that Gull is to be congratulated for taking a leadership position and supporting the region’s readiness for civil defence emergency.

“Gull is taking the initiative within the fuel industry, wiring its Bay of Plenty stations for generator capability. This will greatly enhance Civil Defence Emergency Management capability to supply fuel to critical customers in the event of a local and regional emergency.”

Clinton Naude, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller agrees:

"Gull has met its requirements under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, and is to be congratulated. By adding generator capacity to its service stations, Gull has significantly increased its ability to operate during an emergency which will have a positive effect for the responding agencies and local communities.”

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