Date: February 25, 2015

New appliance for Hastings Rural Fire Force

Hastings District Council’s Rural Fire Force has taken delivery of a new appliance.

The new appliance will be located at Matapiro and replaces their large tanker which will be relocated to Haumoana

Principal Rural Fire Officer, Trevor Mitchell says “Over recent years, land use in the Matipiro area has changed to become more focussed on dairy and viticulture. It is now apparent that a smaller, easier to operate and versatile appliance better meets the current needs of the rural community.”

Hastings District Councillor for the Mohaka Ward, Tania Kerr says “It is important that our rural residents have confidence that in times of emergency, modern firefighting equipment is available. The new truck will be a major boost to the Matapiro Rural Fire Force and recognises the efforts of the fire volunteers who provide a range of emergency services in the area”

The new truck was blessed by the Rev Numia Tomoana on Tuesday morning (24th February) and the handover function was attended by members of the Matapiro Rural Fire Force and the Hawkes Bay Emergency Management Team.

The NZ Fire Service Commission provided 66% of the funding for the truck through the Rural Fire Grant Assistance Scheme.

The new truck has been built on an Isuzu cab and chassis and is one of four constructed by Lockheed Martin. It is based on an Australian rural fire design.

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