Wainuiomata needs day time firefighters

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata needs firefighters who can respond to calls during the working day.

During normal work hours there were usually only enough volunteers to make up one crew, Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Ewen Heron says.

That is not ideal, as a rapid response makes a big difference when fighting fires.

Speed can, for example, allow the fire brigade to save a house that would otherwise burn down.

It’s not just property that can be saved by a fast response. It can also save lives.

With just one crew available to respond it means that the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade is relying on the Seaview Fire Brigade to provide backup.

It takes significantly longer for a fire engine from Seaview to attend a fire in Wainuiomata than it does for the local brigade to reach the scene.

“Our goal is to have two crews during normal work hours,” CFO Heron says.

“Three or four [new staff] would be a good number to start out. That would give us two crews.

“If we could get a few more, that would be good too,” he says.

“If you’re a team player, would like to learn new skills and make your community safer, we would love to hear from you.”

As well as firefighting, volunteers attend medical incidents, motor vehicle accidents, severe weather events and other requests for help.

“Volunteering is rewarding,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand says on its website.

“As a volunteer you will become part of a team, learn new skills, serve your community and have access to special benefits that recognise your commitment.”

Volunteers also install and check smoke alarms and help to improve fire safety in the Wainuiomata community.

People interested in finding out more can contact Mr Heron on 021 483 111 or visit the volunteering page on Fire and Emergency’s website, https://www.fireandemergency.nz/volunteering/.

The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade currently has plenty of staff who can respond at night and during weekends.

Meeting to look at iwi rep

Wainuiomata High School is holding a community evening at 7pm tomorrow (16 February) to look at including an iwi representative on the school’s Board of Trustees.

The school says it would like to appoint an iwi representative from Te Ati Awa to the school board and the evening is being held to discuss this.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, which will be held in the school Staff Room.

“Please feel free to bring along wh nau and anyone who has an interest in Wainuiomata High School. The Board of Trustees looks forward to seeing you,” the school says.

The school is also currently looking for kind, caring host families who would like to experience hosting an international student.

Both short-term and long-term placements are available.

Students will need their own room, all meals plus snacks, Wi-Fi and laundry services.

Wainuiomata High School’s homestays are remunerated at $300 a week.

Family members and anyone else living in the house over 18 will need to be Police vetted.

For more information or to answer questions, contact the International Student Homestay Co-ordinator Victoria Child, 021 531 5581, victoriac@wainuiomatahigh.school.nz.

Definitely a mince and cheese pie.

I wasn’t a frequent user of the school tuck shop but I do recall Mum packing ‘Roll Ups’ in my lunchbox and making ‘witches fingers’ with them.

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