Rebranding sees new face added to team
A rebranding of the region’s fire operations has seen a new face added to Manawatu¯ ’s rural fire team.
Matthew Smith took on the role of principal rural fire officer for Manawatu¯ this month.
He said he was enjoying the role, though it was not too different from his previous position.
New Zealand’s Fire Service was rebranded to Fire and Emergency New Zealand in July, which brought together volunteer and paid, urban and rural firefighters to the national emergency service.
Smith said this meant the fire service took over all rural fire operations, which local councils had previously run.
But the only change for the public was where to apply to get fire permits.
Rather than going through the council, people wanting permits now needed to head to www.checkitsalright.nz or call 0800 658 628.
Smith has previously worked as an emergency management officer for Horizons Regional Council and has a background in natural hazards.
‘‘I know so many people in the emergency field. I’m just coming to them with a different badge on my shirt.’’
There was a three-year integration phase where rural and urban fire services would start to become more aligned, but for now the two were operating parallel.
Rural fire was previously split up into four districts: Horowhenua, Manawatu¯ , Palmerston North city and Rangitı¯kei.
Some were council-run and some were run by Horizons, but Smith said they had now taken them over.
Deputy rural fire officer Bradley Shanks was looking after Manawatu¯ and Rangitı¯kei and Graeme Mcintyre had Palmerston North and Horowhenua.
Smith said he was now focusing on visiting rural fire stations.