Rural Fire Forces Restructured

New Marlborough-Kaikoura Rural Fire Authority

Internal Affairs Minister Hon Chris Tremain and the chair of the New Zealand Fire Service Commission Rt Hon Wyatt Creech were the guest speakers at the launch of the new Marlborough-Kaikoura Rural Fire Authority.

Amongst the guests at the launch was Dave McFarlane of Renwick, Deputy Chair of the Fire Service Commission, and former Kaikoura Mayor Danny Smith who has been appointed chairman of the new Authority.

The Authority brings together the Marlborough north, Marlborough south, Kaikoura and Conservation Department rural fire forces, along with the Marlborough and Kaikoura district councils, so all rural fire fighters work under the leadership of one principal rural fire officer – Richard McNamara.

A key part of Mr McNamara’s role will be to raise the level of education and understanding, for both the general public and key industries, about fire risk and response in this region.