121st Annual Report 2019-2020

121

ST

ANNUAL REPORT

for the year ended 30th June 2020

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

CONTENTS A YEAR IN REVIEW Emergency Responses Traffic Management The impact of Covid-19 Exercise Moana Training Leadership facilitation Remembering Philip "Barry" Jones Events

01 01 02 02 03 03 03 04 04

REPORT FROM SO MARK FOSTER

05

REPORT FROM SO NORM KELLY

06

MEMBERSHIP 07 Meet our team As at 30 Jun 2020 Recruitment Membership Changes

07 08 08

AWARDS, HONOURS AND PROMOTIONS

09

THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

10

TREASURER’S REPORT

11

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

12

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

Extinguisher training

A YEAR IN REVIEW I am pleased to present the 121st Annual Report for the year ended 30th June 2020.

While we entered the year with a strong team and plenty of incidents to attend, the second half brought an unexpected loss and many new challenges.

OIC - SSO Jono Ashman

The team rallied around each other, providing support and making themselves available when required ensuring that we came through the year stronger than ever.

EMERGENCY RESPONSES As our numbers increased, we decided to split the team into two crews operating alternative weeks - Red Crew, lead by SO Norm Kelly and Blue Crew, lead by SO Mark Foster. The crews have worked well, with members taking on new responsibilities and arranging cover as required.

Our ability to respond fully crewed improved significantly this year. The times we were unable to respond due to lack of personnel reduced to four from 13 the previous year.

Now that our members can respond directly to incidents, availability during the working weeks increased. Direct responders have become a valuable asset by arriving quickly to size up an incident, passing on vital information to KILB2426 en route and providing initial incident ground support.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, we saw a sharp reduction in the number of callouts resulting in a total of 59 incidents compared to 71 in the year prior.

However, the average time working at each incident increased - bringing our total hours worked for the year to 466, 14 hours more than last year.

ROLES UNDERTAKEN Traffic Management

TIMES PERFORMED 16

Crew Recovery

11

Non-Fire Salvage

11

Scene Security

8

Equipment Makeup

8

Liaison with Public

8

Scene Lighting

7

Incident Logistics

6

Crowd Control

6

Victim Support

6

Fire Salvage

3

First Aid

2

Evacuation Support

1

Waterways

1

121ST ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2020

01

Firefighters Chelsea Calvert, Bree Freeman and Simon Luke at the debrief following the exercise Moana

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19

Following a high profile traffic accident resulting in multiple deaths of workers at a construction site, Fire and Emergency NZ reviewed it’s traffic management procedures. This review resulted in a new policy removing the ability of operational personnel from performing traffic management.

It is impossible to discuss the year without mentioning the impact of Covid-19. Like many organisations in New Zealand, we had to adjust to a new way of working.

As a result, our traffic management skills have been required more often to secure cordons and enable traffic to flow as smoothly as possible.

To compliment our Level 1 Traffic Controller (TC) training undertaken last year, we had scheduled our officers to gain Level 1 Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS) warrants at the end of 2019.

However, due to scheduling conflicts and Covid-19 disruptions, we have had to defer this until 2021.

Our primary focus was the health and wellbeing of our team and Life Members. We arranged regular catch-ups via phone and video calls which helped to keep spirits up during lockdown.

The number of emergency incidents and appliances tipped out reduced dramatically in lockdown. We could only visit Kilbirnie Fire Station when responding with a maximum of four crew. Strict cleaning protocols and physical distancing were enforced at all times.

To support volunteer brigades, AM Dave Key quickly established an online forum for brigade leaders to check-in, update management and ask questions. This open communication was an excellent initiative, one that we continue to use post lockdown.

We continue to update our traffic management resources and have submitted a business case to Area 16 management for additional equipment to increase our effectiveness.

Te Ūpoko Trainer Kerry Hiku instructing recruits in waterways

02

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

EXERCISE MOANA

TRAINING

Wellington International Airport Limited invited us to their emergency exercise "Moana" on the 12th December 2019. This exercise was an excellent opportunity for our team to apply our skills at a sizeable multi-agency incident.

Our training programme has expanded dramatically due to the organisation and dedication of our two Station Training Coordinators (STCs), SO Phil Harris and SO Mark Foster. SO Foster has brought a wealth of expertise to the role in support of SO Harris' valuable practical knowledge.

The scenario, led by NZ Police, involved the rescue of casualties from a large plane crash into Owhiro Bay. We responded, fully crewed, and managed traffic, secured the scene and assisted the St John Paramedics to perform triage and casualty movement.

It was a hectic and challenging environment, but our team performed exceptionally. Having FF Chelsea Calvert, also a Wellington Free Ambulance Volunteer, on the team proved extremely valuable to the triage duties.

We look forward to taking part in any future, large scale exercises.

They have organised a wide variety of activities and visits during the year to keep our skills sharp.

I was very impressed with the dedication our team showed during the Covid-19 lockdown - attending regular virtual meetings and continuing with their required learning at home.

We have many members who are keen to lend a hand with training, so I have tasked the STCs to develop training plans that allow members to take the reins.

Te Ūpoko Trainer Kerry Hiku We want to make special mention of the efforts and support Kerry Hiku, Te Ūpoko's Trainer provided our team during this year.

Kerry organised various exercises to enhance our training and was always available for a chat to discuss development.

Kerry decided to hang up his training helmet and has now returned to active duty as a Station Officer at Wellington City Station.

Leadership facilitation In October, I took the opportunity to train as a Fire and Emergency Leadership Development Facilitator. It was an excellent two-day course, held at Palmerston North Fire Station with a variety of paid and volunteer leaders from around the region.

Covid-19 has delayed the roll-out of the Leadership Development Workshops, but I hope to be visiting other stations in the new year to help teams to improve their leadership.

SO Harris training new recruit Todd Skilton

121ST ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2020

03

REMEMBERING PHILIP "BARRY" JONES It was with great sadness that we said goodbye to a well-loved Station Officer (retired) and Life Honorary Member, Barry Jones, who passed away on Friday 6th December 2019. Barry was still charging around Wellington carrying out various building jobs, so his sudden passing came as a shock to us all. In typical fashion, Barry downplayed his pain and drove himself to the hospital.

We attended his funeral on Monday 16th December 2019, along with many others who cared deeply for Barry and his boundless positivity.

I want to thank Fire and Emergency NZ and Area 16 management for offering valuable support to Barry’s wife, Robyn following Barry’s passing.

Philip ''Barry'' Jones - 10 Feb 1943–6 Dec 2019

EVENTS Our members enjoy attending community events to promote fire safety. It is a great way to connect with our diverse neighbourhood and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Our social events allow us to build a positive team dynamic. As Covid-19 becomes more manageable, we will plan more social get togethers that also include our families.

EVENTS ATTENDED TYPE

Fire Safety Promotions Joint Brigade Event Fire Safety Promotions Fundraising Joint Brigade Event Fire Safety Promotions Officiating Social Conference Fire Safety Promotions Fire Safety Promotions Fire Safety Promotions Officiating Exercise Fire Safety Promotions Funeral Social Joint Brigade Event Joint Brigade Event Fire Safety Promotions Fire Safety Promotions

04

EVENT

DATE

Kidz Corner Day Care Recruits BATB BBQ Bunnings Lyall Bay Daylight Savings BBQ

03 Jul 2019 27 Jul 2019 28 Sep 2019

Recruits BATB BBQ Tawa Fire Station 75th Anniversary Open Day

20 Oct 2019 26 Oct 2019

Tawa Fire Station 75th Anniversary Dinner 2019 UFBA 141st Annual Conference A Very Welly Christmas Kilbirnie Christmas Parade Remutaka Fire Station Opening Exercise Moana Karori Normal School and Donald Street Pre-School LHM Philip (Barry) Jones Last training night for the year nibbles and drinks Remutaka Operational Support Visit Recruits BATB BBQ LifeFlight Open Day Wellington Pride Parade

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

26 Oct 2019 8-10 Nov 2019 23-24 Nov 2019 01 Dec 2019 07 Dec 2019 12 Dec 2019 16 Dec 2019 16 Dec 2019 16 Dec 2019 27 Jan 2020 29 Jan 2020 01 Mar 2020 07 Mar 2020

REPORT FROM SO MARK FOSTER COORDINATING OUR TRAINING Supported by SO Phil Harris, I’ve been acting in the role of Station Training Coordinator this year, working hard to keep the training programme interesting and also ensure we maintain our core competencies across-the-board.

The biggest challenge of the year was in preparing seven of our members to attend their Recruits course (end June 2020) despite COVID-19 Alert Level precautions greatly hindering our ability to engage in hands-on skills development and practice. Some tactical use of Zoom during the lockdown, along with the just-in-time reduction in our alert levels, gave us just a few weeks to ensure we’d signed off the training logs of all those members prior to travel – achieved with just days to spare!

Working Safely Around Water practical

Looking back, we had some particularly interesting training events despite several months of lockdown.

Highlights include: • Taking the Working Safely around Water kits down to Kilbirnie Pool for the first time • A visit to Wellington Rural Fire • A visit to the Wellington Traffic Operations Centre • A visit from Remutaka OSU (with their new vehicle, REMU4926) I want to thank all the brigade officers for their support as I’ve juggled work and personal commitments with the needs of the brigade, and also thank the membership at large for their support both at training and at calls.

Map reading

Taking on the role of Station Training Coordinator has been a positive learning experience for me, and I look forward to another year contributing to the brigade’s operational capabilities and development. I believe WOSU has a bright future and am very pleased to play a small part of it.

121ST ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2020

05

REPORT FROM SO NORM KELLY FLOODS AND DROUGHTS We are all familiar with the irregularity of callouts – we may have none for weeks, and then a flurry of activity.

This was never so evident as the early days of the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown period in March and April this year. The first weeks of March had been relatively normal, three callouts to the 27th. On the first weekend of L4 lockdown, that quickly changed.

On Saturday 28th, a 5.30am call to the Aotea Quay off-ramp from SH1 – a truck-trailer had a micro-sleep and almost made the turnoff, but had slammed into the barriers. Luckily, he had been able to crawl out, and WOSU maintained the site until the Johnsonville day crew relieved us. The off-ramp was closed for several weeks due to the substantial damage.

A few hours later, a tree across power lines meant we were called out for traffic duty and scene security.

Then late Saturday afternoon, a suspected arsonist had started a fire at Miramar Central School (where some of our crew’s children attend). We were called on for a variety of tasks, the usual traffic management, setting up lighting, supporting the operational crews, and providing intel to fire investigators.

An easier Sunday beckoned, but at 2.30pm, heavy rains had resulted in a Karori house being flooded, so the submersible pump was put to use to clear the basement.

Our crew enjoyed the opportunities to get out and be doing something worthwhile during lockdown. The lack of traffic helped our response times and obviously made traffic management a lot easier (the SH1 motorway was completely closed when we were at Aotea Quay)!

But to highlight the variability, apart from a couple of callouts in April where we were stood down before we could even get to the station, the next callout we responded to was not until 12th May. So, four callouts in 33 hours – unusual but to be expected – then six weeks of inactivity. So, first of all, a big shout-out to all our crew who maintain their enthusiasm and readiness during these periods of flood and drought. And of course, to our partners and families, who are always enduring the uncertainty of when the crew will be called out, managing the kids, letting that dinner go cold, and explaining to friends why someone’s missing!

Aotea Quay crash

06

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

MEMBERSHIP MEET OUR TEAM As at 30 June 2020

Business Owner and Graphic Designer

SO PHILIP HARRIS 2IC & STATION TRAINING COORDINATOR

FF ALEX COUSINS

FF RHYS EDLIN

SSO JONO ASHMAN OFFICER IN CHARGE

Fixed Wing Crew Life Flight Trust

SO NORM KELLY TREASURER

Project Manager Dept. of Conservation

FF SAM GARD

University Student & Event Coordinator/ Manager

IT Analyst – Fire and Emergency NZ

Technical Consultant – Abletech

FF CULLUM PENI-WESCHE

RFF BREE FREEMAN

RFF COLIN LARSEN

National Operations Officer

RFF ETHAN RICHARDSON

Team Leader Wellington Transport Operations Centre

Grade 2 Dispatcher – Fire and Emergency NZ

RFF KELSEY SCOTT Developer Textferret/Litmus

Helicopter Crew Life Flight Trust

RFF TODD SKILTON Chief Information Security Officer

SO MARK FOSTER STATION TRAINING COORDINATOR Manager, ICT Security Services – Ministry of Health

FF CHELSEA CALVERT SAFETY, HEALTH & WELLBEING ADVOCATE

Advisor - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Wellington Free Ambulance Volunteer

FF STEPHEN LAMBERT FF REPRESENTATIVE

FF RAY PENIAMINA

RFF SAM LOCKETT-TURTON

RFF SIMON LUKE

RFF SAM VAN ERPERS ROIJAARDS

VBS RAEWYN JONES SECRETARY & BRIGADE SUPPORT

Art Director – Weta Workshop

Lifeguard – Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre

Developer - OrbitRemit

Team Leader – Kainga Ora Home and Communities

Gas technician – Downers

Communications – Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

121ST ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2020

07

Training debrief

RECRUITMENT

LIFE MEMBERS

With increased numbers, reduced turnover and a steady stream of hopeful applicants, we are in a great position.

Our Life Member Liaison, Brian Arons, has had regular contact with our Life Members, helping organise events (when not in lockdown), offering help when needed and reporting back to the brigade at each of our meetings.

To manage the recruitment process, I established a panel led by SO Norm Kelly. The panel reviews applications, they organise observer sessions and make recommendations following an interview process.

We aim to build a vibrant and diverse team that reflects the community that we serve.

Our Life Members

MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Members at 1 July 19:

19

Members Resigned: 1 New Members: Members at 30 June 20:

2 20

Roger Bullock (Patron)

Ron Lennon

Brian Arons

Chris Raine

Annette Francis

Bryan Roband

Alan Heppleston

Jane Stevens

Barry Lanauze

John Wilson

Sandy Lawson J.P.

Members Joining NAME

Brian petitioned the brigade for a social fund for Life Members. With unanimous we approved a budget which will furnish occasional catch-ups and retain our Life Members engagement with the team.

DATE

Todd Skilton

26 Sep 2019

Ethan Richardson

09 Jan 2020

Members Leaving NAME

Peter Tulloch

08

DATE

TIME SERVED WITH US

03 Dec 2018

7 months

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

REASON FOR LEAVING

Unable to maintain commitment

AWARDS, HONOURS AND PROMOTIONS Les Hall Memorial Trophy Each year we award the Les Hall Memorial Trophy to a member of the brigade that has performed exceptionally and embodies the dedication of the trophy’s namesake. Les Hall QSM served this Unit for 30 years, including 12 years as Captain and Officer in Charge.

This year’s recipient, who has been nominated by a majority of members, is FF Simon Luke.

Attendance Trophy

This coveted trophy is awarded to the member who has attended the most incidents during the year. It acknowledges their dedication to our brigade and community.

This year’s recipient is FF Simon Luke.

Awards and honours to be presented at the 121st Annual General Meeting UFBA Service Honours NAME

HONOUR RECEIVED

DATE ACHIEVED

DATE AWARDED

Philip Harris

2 Year Gold Bar (37 Years)

16 Jun 2020

06 Nov 2020

Mark Foster

2 Year Bar (17 Years)

19 Oct 2019

06 Nov 2020

Colin Larsen

2 Year Bar (13 Years)

22 Jan 2020

06 Nov 2020

Colin Larsen

2 Year Bar (11 Years)

22 Jan 2018

06 Nov 2020

Jono Ashman

5 Year Medal

08 Jan 2020

06 Nov 2020

Norm Kelly

5 Year Medal

11 Sep 2019

06 Nov 2020

Chelsea Calvert

3 Year Certificate

17 Aug 2020

06 Nov 2020

Stephen Lambert

3 Year Certificate

12 Jan 2020

06 Nov 2020

Long Service and Good Conduct Awards NAME

Philip Harris

HONOUR RECEIVED

3rd Clasp (35 Years)

DATE ACHIEVED

DATE AWARDED

16 Jun 2018

6 Nov 2020

Promotions NAME

PROMOTED TO

Chelsea Calvert

Qualified Fire Fighter

DATE PROMOTED

06 Nov 2020

Stephen Lambert

Qualified Fire Fighter

06 Nov 2020

Ray Penianima

Qualified Fire Fighter

06 Nov 2020

Cullum Peni-Wesche

Qualified Fire Fighter

06 Nov 2020

121ST ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2020

09

FF Ray Peniamina recruiting some new talent at the Life Flight Open Day

THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We continue to receive excellent support from Fire and Emergency NZ. The organisation is walking the walk, delivering on it’s promise to provide a safe and engaging workplace for volunteers.

I’d like to specifically thank: • AM Dave Key and AAM Des Irving for their valuable support • The VSO team of John Rowe and Jamie Molenaar who are always available to answer questions and provide support • The Region Trainer, Kerry Hiku • Brett Lockyer, from Te Ūpoko (Region 3) management, for his work on the Area15/16 Operational Support Panel, and • Area 16’s business support team, Coral Savage and Nita Patel.

From our team I’d like to give special thanks to: • Our Management Committee, SO Phil Harris, SO Mark Foster, SO Norm Kelly, VBS Raewyn Jones and FF Stephen Lambert, for their ideas and hard work • FF Chelsea Calvert for her work as our Safety, Health and Wellbeing Advocate, and • The rest of our team who continue to offer their valuable time to train and respond for the service of our community.

10

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

RFF Sam Lockett-Turton in control

TREASURER’S REPORT The Unit’s finances remain in a sound position after another steady year. At 30 June 2020, the Unit held a total $50,338 in our bank accounts and term deposits, an increase of $1,030 from 2018-19. The COVID-19 lockdown meant there was only one fundraising event – the Bunnings sausage sizzle, which raised over $700 for our equipment account, as well as being a great opportunity to promote the work of the Unit, encourage fire safety and home safety checks, and to recruit new members to the Unit.

Administration Account

Social Account

Income from FENZ quarterly grants was $9,210, consistent with recent years and sufficient to meet the Unit’s general administration needs. Expenses were $8,189, with the five main areas of spending (each in the $1,000-$1,600 range) being: UFBA conference costs; meetings (primarily catering); general administration; Executive expenses; and honours awards.

The Social account remains open in case there is a future need for a separate account.

Equipment Account The end-of-year Equipment Account balance reduced by $1,036 from 2018-19. Main expenses were a Samsung Galaxy Tablet for KILB2426. A business case has been developed for some major purchases, including radios and traffic management gear, and we expect that financial contributions will be made by both FENZ and the Unit towards equipment purchases, so that we can be better placed to respond to major incidents.

The Island Bay marae fire was an excellent example of where more radios would have helped a better co-ordinated response, both within the WOS Unit and with other attending brigades.

Term Deposits There is currently a $38,971 balance across our three Term Deposits, an increase of $1,510 interest over the year. These deposits are invested for periods of nine months to a year. Some of these funds are expected to be used for equipment upgrades. Interest rates have continued to drop for these investments, with our most recent renewal (in June 2020) only getting 1.65%.

Thanks to our Examiner of the Books A special thanks again to our Examiner of the Books, Roger Bullock. His understanding of the roles and financial needs of the Unit are very much appreciated in his yearly scrutiny of our accounts.

SO Norm Kelly

Brigade Treasurer

Special Purposes Account The Special Purposes account is designed to have funds readily available to assist members and former members in need, or for small gifts following ill health, bereavements, etc. Four such payments were made this year ($56-239), and the account has a $1,564 end-ofyear balance.

121ST ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2020

11

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

FINANCIAL STATEMENT Statement of Receipts and Payments for the period 01 July 2019 to 30 June 2020.

General Accounts (00) $

Income

2019

$

2020

2,140 Opening Balance

$

1,487

$

9,462 Fire Service Grant

$

9,189

$

$

2

$

-

1 Interest

$

580 Fundraising / Donations

$

5,777 Transfer from Term Deposit 07

$

$

-

1,032

476 UFBA Conference

$

1,590

$

414 AGM Expenses

$

238

$

5,563 Social Expenses

$

695

$

1,340

$

-

$

$ 10,678

1,800 UFBA Honours

2020

$

$

$ 17,960

Expenditure

2019

514 Meeting Expenses 80 Subscriptions

$

470 Gifts

$

319

$

306 Unit Administration

$

1,505

$

4,000 Transfer to Term Deposit 04

$

-

$

1,800 Transfer to Other Accounts

$

-

$

1,050 Executive Expenses

$

1,450

$

1,487 Closing Balance

$

2,511

$ 17,960

$ 10,678*

Social Account (01) 2019

Income

2020

2019

Expenditure

2020

$ $

- Opening Balance - Interest

$ $

-

$

- Closing Balance

$

-

$

0

$

0

$

0

$

0

Equipment Account (03) 2019

$ $ $ $

7,867 1,035 4,000 8

$ 12,910

Income Opening Balance Fundraising Grant Interest

2020

$ $ $ $

8,329 965 8

$

9,303

2019

$ 3,392 $ 568 $ $ 621 $ 8,329 $ 12,910

Expenditure Equipment - Lighting Equipment - Other Fundraiser expenses Training provider Closing Balance

2020

$ 360 $ 1,125 $ 241 $ 285 $ 7,293 $ 9,303*

*Minor rounding errors noted

12

WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

2019

$ $ $ $

Special Purposes Account (97) Income Expenditure 2020 2019

294 Opening Balance 1,800 Transfer from Admin Account - Interest 2,094

$ $ $ $

2,032 2 2,034

$ $ $ $

61 Gifts 1 Bank fees 2,032 Closing Balance 2,094

2020

$ $ $ $

470 1,564 2,034

Term Deposit (04) 2019

Income

$ 16,983 Opening Balance $ 4,000 Transfer from Admin Account $ 594 Interest $ 21,577

2020

2019

$ 21,577 $ $ 721 $ 22,298

Expenditure

2020

$ 21,577 Closing Balance

$ 22,298

$ 21,577

$ 22,298

Term Deposit (05) 2019

$ $ $

Income

5,796 Opening Balance - Interest 5,796

2020

$ $ $

5,796 443 6,239

2019

Expenditure

2020

$

5,796 Closing Balance

$

6,239

$

5,796

$

6,239

Term Deposit (07) 2019

Income

$ 15,367 Opening Balance $ 497 Interest $ 15,864

2020

2019

Expenditure

2020

$ 10,087 $ 346

$ 5,777 Transfer to Admin Account $ 10,087 Closing Balance

$ $ 10,433

$ 10,433

$ 15,864

$ 10,433

I have examined the Books, Accounts, and Vouchers of the Wellington Volunteer Fire Service Support Unit for the 12-month period, 1 July 2019 to 30 July 2020, and in my opinion the statements and payments for the General, Social, Equipment, and Special Purposes accounts, and three Term Deposits as presented are a true and fair record of the transactions that have taken place during the period.

Roger Bullock

Examiner of the books 26 August 2020

121ST ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2020

13

121 YEARS SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY WHEN THEY NEED IT THE MOST