Takaka Fire Main Commissioned

Over forty Takaka business owners, volunteer fire personnel and Council staff braved a mid-winter day of rain and wind to celebrate the commissioning of the township’s fully reticulated firefighting water main.

Recognised as a community need after the disastrous Fonterra fire of 2005 and highlighted by the Commercial Street fire last year, the new system is designed to service the fire protection needs of the Takaka central business district.

In performing the opening honours, retired Councillor Noel Riley spoke of the thorough consultation process Council had carried out with the Takaka community to ensure this important asset was achieved. “The Council and Community Board along with the New Zealand Fire Service personnel worked well together to ensure that everyone had their say in the best firefighting water supply for our town”, he said.

The project cost $1.065 million and the water is sourced from wells behind the Takaka fire station. It provides local and immediate access to water supplies required by the fire brigade. Chief Fire Officer, Phillip Woolf acknowledged “former Chief Fire Officers who all worked hard towards this day when the reticulated water main has been commissioned”. He also praised the Council, the Community Board and Council staff for their support of the Volunteer Fire Brigade to finally build this important water supply. “We no longer have to rely on the water tanks on our trucks to do the job for our community”, he said.

The design and construction phase was also significant in regard to the consultation with the affected business community. The timing and management of the project was agreed to by all parties to minimise disruption within the busy Christmas period and construction season.