About Te Araroa Volunteer Fire Brigade
Dedicated volunteers protecting our community for over 50 years
Who We Are
Te Araroa Volunteer Fire Brigade (CC50116) is a registered charitable organization serving the Te Araroa district and surrounding communities in the Gisborne region of New Zealand. As part of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), our volunteer team provides critical firefighting and emergency response services to protect lives, property, and our environment. Our brigade operates from our station located at 51 Pohutu Road, Te Araroa, strategically positioned to serve our remote coastal community and the wider district.
Being a volunteer fire brigade means that every member of our team serves without payment, dedicating their time and effort purely out of commitment to community safety. Our volunteers come from all walks of life - farmers, business owners, tradespeople, teachers, and retirees - each bringing unique skills and perspectives to our team. What unites us is a shared dedication to protecting our neighbors and preserving the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the Te Araroa district. We train regularly, maintain our equipment to the highest standards, and stand ready to respond to emergencies at any time of day or night.
As a registered charity under the New Zealand Charities Act, we operate with complete transparency and accountability. Our charitable status allows us to accept donations, apply for grants, and fundraise to support our operations, purchase equipment, and provide ongoing training for our volunteers. We work closely with Fire and Emergency New Zealand to ensure we meet national standards and have access to the resources and support needed to effectively serve our community. Our brigade is not just an emergency service - we are an integral part of the Te Araroa community, participating in local events, providing fire safety education, and building strong relationships with residents, schools, and businesses throughout our district.
Our Team and Operations
Our brigade consists of approximately 20 dedicated volunteer firefighters who undergo rigorous training to meet Fire and Emergency New Zealand standards. Each volunteer completes comprehensive training programs covering firefighting techniques, emergency medical response, vehicle extrication, search and rescue operations, and hazardous materials handling. Training is ongoing throughout the year, ensuring our team maintains peak readiness and stays current with the latest firefighting methods and safety protocols.
We respond to a diverse range of emergencies beyond just fires. Our callouts include structure fires, vegetation fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, search and rescue operations, hazardous material incidents, and assistance during civil defense emergencies such as floods or severe weather events. On average, we respond to over 50 callouts annually, with each response requiring dedication, professionalism, and often personal sacrifice from our volunteers who leave their families and jobs to serve the community.
- ✓ Registered Charity under CC50116
- ✓ Volunteer-operated fire station with 24/7 response capability
- ✓ Part of Fire and Emergency New Zealand network
- ✓ Serving Te Araroa and surrounding district since the 1970s
- ✓ Committed to community safety and volunteer welfare
Our Impact by the Numbers
These numbers represent more than statistics - they represent lives saved, properties protected, and a community served with dedication and professionalism. Every callout requires our volunteers to leave their homes, families, and jobs to serve their community, demonstrating the extraordinary commitment that defines volunteer firefighting in rural New Zealand.
Our Facility and Equipment
Our station houses modern firefighting equipment including fire trucks, pumps, hoses, breathing apparatus, and specialized rescue tools. We maintain all equipment to strict FENZ standards to ensure reliability and effectiveness during emergency responses.
Our volunteers participate in regular training exercises, community events, and station maintenance activities. This commitment to ongoing development ensures we remain prepared for any emergency situation while strengthening the bonds that make our brigade a true team.
More Than Just Emergency Response
While emergency response is our primary function, Te Araroa Volunteer Fire Brigade plays a broader role in our community. We conduct fire safety education programs in local schools, teaching children about fire prevention and what to do in emergencies. We participate in community events, open our station for tours and demonstrations, and work with local businesses to promote workplace safety. Our volunteers serve as role models and community leaders, demonstrating the power of voluntary service and civic engagement.
We believe that prevention is as important as response. Through our community outreach programs, we help residents understand fire risks, install and maintain smoke alarms, develop emergency evacuation plans, and prepare for natural disasters. This proactive approach to community safety complements our emergency response capabilities, creating a comprehensive safety network that protects everyone in the Te Araroa district.